عزلت

العُزْلة

In the lexicon, uzla is a noun from i'tizal, avoiding a thing with the body or the heart; as a technical term it is withdrawal from mixing with people by seclusion and cutting off ¹. It differs from khalwa, being alone with oneself ¹. Scholars agree that withdrawal is better in times of trial and corruption, unless one can remove the trial, in which case one must strive to remove it ¹. Outside such times they differ: most jurists and hadith scholars prefer mixing with people while being safe from their harm, while some prefer withdrawal for its safety, and the ruling varies with the person ^{2 3}. Withdrawal has benefits, such as devotion and avoiding the sins that company often brings, and a loss, namely the benefits that come from help of others ⁴. Writers on spirituality give etiquette for the one who withdraws, including wishing others safety from one's own evil rather than one's safety from theirs, and leaving blameworthy traits ^{3 5}.