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BBC Radio 4 LW

Something Understood

Religion & Ethics

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life, taking a spiritual theme and exploring it through music, prose and poetry

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Something Understood: Seclusion

Seclusion

BBC Radio 4 - Something Understood, Seclusion

Journalist Remona Aly investigates the uniquely spiritual experience of seclusion.

Ethical and religious discussion. Remona Aly discovers that seclusion is the key to social revolution and human progress, unlocking the mysteries of the self and the divine.

Journalist Remona Aly discovers the power of seclusion.

Throughout centuries, individuals of many faiths, cultures and disciplines have argued that seclusion is the key to unlock the mysteries both of the self and of the divine. 

According to Remona, in today's connected world finding solitude has become a lost art. In fact, western culture tends to equate a desire for solitude with people who are lonely or anti-social, but there are many physical and psychological benefits to spending time alone. 

Throughout time, seekers of all faith traditions have been drawn to solitude as a way of deepening their relationship with God. Remona offers the lives of the Prophet Muhammad and Imam al-Ghazali as leading examples of how seclusion can lead to overwhelming personal revelations and radical change in society. 

The work of Beethoven is also examined as his phase of seclusion lead him to produce some of the most extraordinary symphonies of his career.

Remona also reflects on her own personal time of seclusion before dawn, leaving her bed to take part in a voluntary prayer known in Arabic as Tahajjud - a sacred time which she describes as therapy for the soul. 

Presenter: Remona Aly
Producer: Jonathan O'Sullivan
A TBI Media production for BBC Radio 4.

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