Khalwa
/ˈxɑl.wa/noun
A period of seclusion or retreat, especially for spiritual contemplation in Sufism.
Did you know?In Sufism, khalwa is not just being alone; it’s a disciplined spiritual retreat meant to strip away the ego so the heart can be “retrained” in divine presence.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Arabic
Arabic
خَلْوَة (khalwa)
“seclusion, privacy, being alone”
Medieval Islamic World
Arabic
خَلْوَة (khalwa)
“spiritual retreat or withdrawal for devotion, especially in Sufi practice”
Modern English
English
khalwa
“a Sufi retreat or period of spiritual seclusion”
Modern English
English
khalwa
“a state of being alone or secluded”