Does abstaining from some blessings lead to spiritual growth?

In the rich teachings of the Holy Quran, the relationship between enjoying blessings and achieving spiritual growth is a profound and multifaceted topic. Allah (SWT) created the universe and everything within it for humanity, bestowing countless blessings upon us. In numerous verses, we are called upon to be grateful and to utilize these blessings appropriately. However, the question arises: can abstaining from or forsaking certain blessings lead to spiritual elevation and growth? The answer to this question requires a deep understanding of the Quranic perspective on the world, blessings, and the ultimate purpose of human creation. The Holy Quran by no means advocates for monasticism or the complete abandonment of worldly life and its lawful pleasures. On the contrary, in verses like Surah Al-A'raf, verse 31, Allah says: “O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.” This verse clearly states that enjoying the beauty and lawful pleasures of this world is not only permissible but is, in its proper context, desirable and divinely approved, provided it is not done with extravagance or exceeding limits. Therefore, the absolute abandonment of blessings merely for the sake of abandonment is not the objective of Islam. Indeed, divine blessings are trials to test one's gratitude and management, and using them correctly is itself an act of worship. However, the Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of 'detachment' from this world and its blessings. The issue is not with the blessings themselves, but with excessive attachment to them and forgetting the primary purpose of creation and humanity's journey towards its Lord. When blessings, instead of being tools for achieving closeness to Allah, become ends in themselves, or distract one from the remembrance of God, then they can indeed hinder spiritual growth. In this context, 'abstention' refers to detaching oneself from dependency and freeing the heart from the shackles of materialism, rather than necessarily the physical abandonment of all blessings. This excessive attachment to the world can lead to pride, arrogance, stinginess, and unhealthy competition, all of which are spiritual ailments that divert the human soul from the path of perfection. The goal is to reach a state where one is the master of blessings, not their slave. There are clear instances of purposeful abstention from certain blessings for spiritual growth mentioned in the Quran. The most prominent example is 'fasting' (Sawm). In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 183, Allah states: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” Fasting involves a conscious and voluntary abstention from eating, drinking, and certain other lawful pleasures during specific hours. This temporary and purposeful abstention is not merely an act of worship; it is a powerful tool for strengthening willpower, self-control, understanding the plight of the less fortunate, and achieving the state of righteousness (Taqwa). This Taqwa itself is considered the pinnacle of spiritual growth. Through fasting, one learns to bring the physical self under the command of the soul and manage desires, rather than being enslaved by them. This practice reinforces pure servitude to Allah and liberates one from the bondage of carnal desires, reminding them that true power lies in letting go, not in grasping. Another example is 'spending in charity' (Infaq). In Surah Al-Imran, verse 92, Allah says: “You will not attain righteousness until you spend [in God's way] from that which you love. And whatever you spend - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.” Wealth and possessions are blessings from God, and human beings naturally have an affinity for them. Giving them away, especially that which is beloved and needed, is a form of voluntary abstention and sacrifice. This act not only fulfills the needs of the poor but also purifies the human soul from stinginess and attachment to worldly possessions. Charity frees the heart from the love of this world and draws it closer to the love of Allah. This liberation from material bonds and giving for the sake of Allah is one of the most evident signs of spiritual growth. One who can sacrifice what they love for Allah reaches a level of altruism and generosity that brings them closer to perfection and allows them to understand the true value of things, recognizing that real wealth lies in giving and helping others. Furthermore, when an individual strives in the way of Allah (Jihad) or faces hardships and difficulties in the path of truth, they forgo their comfort and ease (which are blessings). Patience in the face of adversity and steadfastness on the path of truth are forms of neglecting transient worldly pleasures to attain divine pleasure and closeness to Allah. This patience and sacrifice expand one's spiritual capacities and prepare them for greater responsibilities. In essence, spiritual growth is achieved when one can subdue their carnal desires for the sake of divine will and sacrifice what they love for what God loves. This 'greater jihad,' the struggle against the lower self, is the epitome of sacrificing desires for spiritual growth. Therefore, 'abstaining' from certain blessings in the Quran does not mean ignoring them or forbidding what is lawful. Rather, it signifies: 1. Lack of emotional attachment: Freeing the heart from the slavery of materialism, such that the presence or absence of these blessings does not affect one's tranquility or path of servitude. This spiritual state leads to reliance on God (tawakkul) and contentment (rida). 2. Purposeful utilization: Employing blessings in the path of Allah's pleasure and for achieving perfection, rather than drowning in them. Blessings are tools to reach a greater goal, not the goal itself. 3. Sacrifice and altruism: Readiness to forgo certain blessings when necessary for achieving higher, more transcendent goals (such as fasting, charity, striving in the way of Allah). These sacrifices demonstrate the sincerity of faith and the depth of devotion. This type of 'abstention' or 'forgoing' of blessings is, in reality, a practice for strengthening willpower, self-purification, and soul refinement. It does not imply self-imposed, purposeless poverty and deprivation but rather spiritual richness and freedom from material bonds. Through these practices, one gradually gains mastery over their lower self and purifies their heart from everything but God. This purity and sincerity are true spiritual growth, leading one to closeness with Allah and securing their afterlife. Ultimately, the Quran teaches us that this world is the cultivation field for the Hereafter; its blessings are seeds, and how we utilize them will determine our eternal harvest. The intelligent and purposeful abstention from some of them is akin to watering and tending these seeds to yield a more abundant crop. This abstention is, in essence, connection, and this distance is, in essence, closeness.