Chalva (religion)
Chalwa ( Arabic خلوة, DMG ḫalwa , also khalwa or khalwat ; literally "emptiness, loneliness"; Turkish halvet ) is used in different contexts in Muslim cultures. Originally it referred to a spiritual practice in which the practitioner (internally, but also in relation to his possessions) becomes "empty" and frees himself from any worldly material ballast. In Persian usage there is also the term Chalwat-neschin (خلوت نشين, DMG ḫalwat-nešīn , literally “the one sitting in the void / loneliness”).
Sufism
In Sufism , Chalwa describes a spiritual retreat (retreat, Chilla-nashini ), traditionally for 40 days, during which the Murīd undertakes extensive spiritual exercises under the guidance of a Sufi master ( Sheikh or Pir ). He withdraws and only appears for prayer and to discuss dreams and visions with his master. The name of the Halveti order goes back to the practice of "khalwa".
Other meanings
- Sudan
In the Sudanese dialect, "a khalwa" denotes an Islamic school. This proves the great influence that Sufism used to have on Islam in Sudan. (The Arabic Wikipedia article describes this type of school.)
- Malaysia
In Malaysia , unmarried Muslims can be sentenced by the state religious police for khalwat (“to be in closed proximity” = when women come too close to men).
- Druze
Khalwat al-Bayada is the name of the Druze houses of prayer .
Individual evidence
- ^ Mevlevi Terms and Definitions
- ↑ 197 students caught for khalwat in schools , The Star Online