The Need to Remain in Seclusion and Engage in Zikr

Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahimahullah) once said:

“Whenever I have to go out to Mewat (for tableegh purposes), then I ensure that I always remain in the company of such people who are pious and who remain in zikr. Despite this, on account of mixing with the general public (while engaging in tableegh), I find the condition of my heart changing and getting affected.

As long as I do not remain in i’tikaaf for a few days in order to cleanse my heart, or go to (the khanqahs of) Sahaaranpur or Raipur for a few days (after returning from tableegh), I find that my heart does not return to its normal condition.”

At times, Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahimahullah) would also mention to others, “Those who engage in the effort of deen should take out some time (daily) to remain in seclusion and engage in zikr so that their hearts may be cleansed of the ill-effects of mixing with people when going out for gusht, etc.”

(Malfoozaat Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) pg. 59-60)