"Thin" places where we connect with or feel the presence of God

[Grace Seeker]

This question comes out of another [a Christian] forum I am on. In it we were discussing the "thin places" where people experience God. The list of places is rather interesting. For instance, I listed canoing on wilderness lakes. Another talked about retreats he leads with his church's youth. Others mentioned watching the sun set through a stained glass window or a special worship service or even just sitting on the porch with one's spouse and enjoying the world and relationships God has created for us.

So I'm asking you -

1. where are your thin places and
2. would you describe experiences when you felt connected to/in touch with God/Allah?




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(And, please, let's just use this for affirmation and not turn it into a debate thread arguing about one place/experience being better than another.)

 

[Uthman]

:threadapp

 

[Trumble]

I hope I'm not diverting your thread too much from your intended purpose by suggesting that such connections or feelings may only be interpreted as being the presence of God; depending on your religious views. I do so because I know exactly what you mean, while not believing there is a God! For me there are two places in particular. Neither are actually 'Buddhist', oddly.

The first is a multiple choice of several British cathedrals and churches, the one thing being in common being antiquity. It's not age I think that you feel so much as people and their devotion stored up over the centuries as if by some spiritual battery. I have never visited the ancient Buddhist monasteries of Asia, nor any mosque with a long history, but I assume exactly the same would be true there. In particular I still recall walking into Canterbury Cathedral as a child of about 10, alone, first thing in the morning (my mother and I were staying in a hotel virtually right next to it) when that sensation was utterly overpowering, although as I was standing exactly in the spot where Thomas Becket was killed maybe there was a ghost around, too!

The second is simply a wooded spot near my home where my wife and I walk the dog (although, to be honest, it doesn't 'work' with her there - she talks too much!). At the right time of the day, with the setting sun in just the right place and the colours in the trees just so, that same overpowering feeling is there. It's almost like being transported to another world. But there is nothing personal. I can easily understand why you guys might think something similar was 'God', but to me it can't possibly be interpreted that way. But as I said, it's all about interpretation and probably preconceptions. I've always thought the actual religious experience, albeit expressed in many different ways, is universal.

 

[Ummu Sufyaan]

1. where are your thin places

mostly quite places. but usually when i go outside...so in nature, the stars, moon, etc.

2. would you describe experiences when you felt connected to/in touch with God/Allah?

when i make dua (asking something of allah)...after wards my heart feels a lot more relaxed and tranquil then it does before i supplicate. also, sometimes when i listen to the words of the quran as well. that'll tend to make me feel "connected."

 

[Ramadhan]

For me, anytime I remember Allah, I feel very close and "connected", regardless of where I was, with the exception, of course, of filthy places like bathrooms, toilets.

It also happened sometimes when i recited Al Qur'an and then tears were just flowing down my cheeks. There was one time when I was reciting Ar-Rahmaan (QS. 55) when I didnt stop crying the whole way, and I do not even understand arabic! (although I sorta knew what the surah was about, and I read the translation afterwards).

It happened when I was outdoor, at night, in outback, where sky is so dark and clear and you could see millions of the brilliant stars and I felt how really small I am and how majestic His presence is.

There were also times when i was just walking on the streets, the sky was dark and it was raining, and I felt pretty down, and I turned to remember Him and I prayed and I felt warmth from the inside.

Basically, "thin places" for me is anywhere (with the exception of filthy places) where I will myself to remember Allah, to both fear and love Him.

 

[aadil77]

I can feel the presence of Allah everywhere and at anytime, but there are certain places and things which make me reflect on Allah's creation and as a result praise Him and strengthen my beliefs; places like being up in some mountains or just by looking up at the moon.

like naidamar, seeing a clear sky with bright stars really makes you think and Glorify Allah the Almighty and same with rain you just naturally want to pray, I read a hadith somewhere about praying when it rains

 

[Grace Seeker]

I hope I'm not diverting your thread too much.... I've always thought the actual religious experience, albeit expressed in many different ways, is universal.

No problem, Trumble. I'm not trying to define who has the best or most correct experience. I just thought it might be interesting to see how much in common we might have in our actual personal experiences of the transcendent. Thanks for sharing your story as well.

 

[Al-manar]

Immediately after passing a trouble , that by the logic of humans it can't be solved.

 

[Asiyah3]

I can feel the precense of Allah (May he be Exalted) everywhere.

Especially When I see the moon, I immediately remember some Ayaats from the qur'an and the words of The prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him): It is narrated that Jareer ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said: “We were sitting with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), looking at the moon on the night of the fourteenth (of the month). He said, ‘You will see your Lord with your own eyes just as you are looking at this (moon), without any doubt that you are seeing Him.’”


May Allah make us one of those whom He will be pleased with

 

[Iris]

Rains and thunderstorms in a forest! Its just beautiful subhanAllah...makes you speculate on the power of Allah SWT!

 

[Ramadhan]

Actually, in this sense muslims are very lucky that we should be in "thin" places at least five times a day, that is, during daily shalat.

 

[Woodrow]

I guess this is why I love wide open spaces such as being out on the ocean, in a desert, out on the prairie or alone in a light plane. Those are my "thin" places. I would say because at those times I am free from distraction and see only what Allaah(swt) has created in it's most visible and simplest purity. I believe we should be able to connect to him through prayer, no matter where we may be. But, being a human with a wandering mind, isolation seems to keep me free from distractions that lead me astray.

 

[Grace Seeker]

Actually, in this sense muslims are very lucky that we should be in "thin" places at least five times a day, that is, during daily shalat.

Funny that you should mention this, because even as a Christian this is something that I have learned from Islam.

 

[gang4]

In the mosque sometimes the connection feels stronger...besides locations, time factor should be also under consideration...At night before Fajr when one performs rakaat while others are sleeping is the best time to feel as if one is in the present of The Al Mighty...Begging Allah to forgive our sins...

 

[Grace Seeker]

...besides locations, time factor should be also under consideration...while others are sleeping is the best time to feel as if one is in the present of The Al Mighty.

Just a reminder. This thread is not about what should or should not be. Nor is it about whether one way, time, location or manner is somehow better than or to be preferred over another. The assumption is that any way, time, location, or manner by which one experiences being connected with God is a good thing and that there need be no competition among the various experiences we all have for the best. But, perhaps in our sharing of them, some who have perhaps need to renew their faith or deen may find in our personal sharing something that resonates with them and thereby may be renewed to continue to grow in their walk with God.

 

[gang4]

Just a reminder. This thread is not about what should or should not be. Nor is it about whether one way, time, location or manner is somehow better than or to be preferred over another.

Consider me made a mistake... sorry...

The assumption is that any way, time, location, or manner by which one experiences being connected with God is a good thing and that there need be no competition among the various experiences we all have for the best. But, perhaps in our sharing of them, some who have perhaps need to renew their faith or deen may find in our personal sharing something that resonates with them and thereby may be renewed to continue to grow in their walk with God.

Just a reminder...the assumption was not that clear...at least was not clear enough to me...

Now, the assumption is clear. Probably out of place for me to say in this thread:

A connection with God needs to be a competition... We need to compete doing good deeds, asking for Allah's forgiveness etc...The Hereafter is more in rank and gradation and more in excellence.

But since it is my last response to this thread...you ought to cut me a slack....

 

[AlHoda]

There was one night where Ifelt so close to Allah, i wish I had that time every day. My emaan was so high, my love for Him was so high. There are also moments i feel far from Allah (swt), so I hope that I will feel close to Allah, everyday like this. In fact, i dont think there are thin places, just times when your emaan is very high, you can feel His Presence .

 

[Grace Seeker]

Consider me made a mistake... sorry...

No problem. Your response was most appropriate and in perfect keeping with what I was asking. I'm glad you added to the conversation.

Just a reminder...the assumption was not that clear...at least was not clear enough to me...

I'm sorry that it wasn't. I did put the following in the OP:

(And, please, let's just use this for affirmation and not turn it into a debate thread arguing about one place/experience being better than another.)

But perhaps I needed to make it bolder. Or maybe there is a clearer way to express myself. Anyway, I apologize if I came across as criticizing your post in particular. I just didn't want someone else to come along and challenge your use of the phrase "the best". We will allow that you do indeed find this the best. I just didn't want some one else to come along and turn this into a debate thread by trying to prove you wrong because they have had a different experience where something else was better.

Now, the assumption is clear. Probably out of place for me to say in this thread:

A connection with God needs to be a competition... We need to compete doing good deeds, asking for Allah's forgiveness etc...The Hereafter is more in rank and gradation and more in excellence.

But since it is my last response to this thread...you ought to cut me a slack....

You can most certainly have all the slack you need.


All are welcome in the thread, be they competitive or laid back. Be they thinking that they have found the one and only right way or think that many paths lead up the mountain. I just ask that we express ourselves by speaking to our own experience rather than debating the value or authenticity (pro or con) of another.

 

[Grace Seeker]

And now, to follow up on myself, I would like to add another question to the conversation:

As you think about the "thin places" in your life, what does it mean to you to connect with God. What is at the core of that experience for you?






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Again, we can anticipate that there will be a variety of responses, perhaps as varied as the people themselves who respond. Let us remember that each individual's testimony is just that, an expression of their own experience. It is not a projection that your experience or mine must match theirs -- nor vice versa.

 

[glo]

There was one night where Ifelt so close to Allah, i wish I had that time every day. My emaan was so high, my love for Him was so high. There are also moments i feel far from Allah (swt), so I hope that I will feel close to Allah, everyday like this. In fact, i dont think there are thin places, just times when your emaan is very high, you can feel His Presence .

I can very much relate to your post, AlHoda.
I would describe my relationship to God similarly.

There are places where I may feel the presence of God more easily - but I believe only because in those places I may be less distracted by other things and may find it easier to focus on God.