Impact of Christian Monasticism over Islamic Asceticism

Asceticism means self denying way of life and in a definition by Imam Ali, the first religious Imam to Muslims; it means short wishing and appreciation upon a blessing and patience upon sins. Rahbaniah (monasticism) is an Arabic word used by Arab lexicographers as 'Rahab' meaning fear and fright. Christian monasticism was created when the Disciples of Christ were interested in a totally spiritual life separate from materialistic life. The Islamic asceticism and Christian monasticism are different from one another because in Islam there is no difference between this world and the next world and the works done here, that is, they are not separate from each other, whereas in Christian monasticism it is recommended to get separate from this world appealing for turning back to that. Upon the influence of Christians in Bani Omayya and Bani Abbas era and in governmental affairs and various Christian sects, there were a lot of Christian monks spread everywhere so that they could have influence on Muslims. Such an influence was so much that ascetics like monks refrained from having any animal related meals, put on woolen cloth, lived in temples and monasteries, and did some eunuch not to be committed to their spouses and children. Therefore, one can say that the widespread presence of Christians among Muslims and promotions of their catechesis over Islamic ones as well as asceticism of Muslims have been influential.