Boundary Concepts in Islam

In this chapter, the author explores the concept of “boundary” (meje) in Islam — not only in the legal sense, but also as a profound spiritual principle. Islamic jurisprudence (sharia) is built on clear distinctions between the lawful (halal) and the forbidden (haram), between what is recommended and what is discouraged. However, the author argues that these boundaries are more than legal categories — they are inner moral and spiritual markers.

One of the central insights:

“The boundaries set by Allah are testing grounds. On one side lies intention (niyet), on the other — desire (napsi, or ego). The boundary is the scale that weighs both.”

This framing shows that religious limits are not restrictions in the traditional sense, but refinements of the self, guiding the believer through moments of ethical and spiritual trial. Obedience to these limits, the author emphasizes, should stem not from fear, but from love, awareness, and reverence.

The chapter breaks down key classical terms:

• Haram — not just “forbidden,” but anything that pollutes the heart or distances one from clarity;
• Halal — not just “permissible,” but that which aligns with sincere intention and spiritual purity;
• Makruh, mubah — morally ambiguous or neutral acts, requiring not only legal judgment but inner discernment.

The author writes:

“Halal is not simply ‘allowed to eat’; it is what matches the intention. Haram is not only ‘prohibited’ — it is what darkens the heart.”

He cautions that blurring these boundaries in the modern world leads to moral confusion, loss of spiritual direction, and weakened faith. Clear spiritual boundaries, therefore, are not meant to suppress freedom, but to preserve clarity of conscience and connection with the Divine.

Ultimately, this chapter portrays the true believer not as someone who blindly follows religious rules, but as one who feels the spiritual weight of each act, who understands why certain things bring light — and others, imbalance.