The Book of Assistance

by al-Haddad, Imam 'Abdallah Ibn Alawi; al-Badawi, Mostafa

• ISBN13: 9781887752589
• ISBN10: 1887752587
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-01-01
• Publisher: Fons Vitae

Summary

There are many books in English that present Sufi doctrine, but few that can be used as practical travel guides along the Path. Originally written in classical Arabic, this volume is in widespread use among Sufi teachers in Arabia, Indonesia, and East Africa; its devotions, prayers, and practical ethics are invaluable as a guide along the Sufi Way.

Author Biography

Imam 'Abdallah al-Haddad is widely believed to have been the spiritual "renewer" of the twelfth Islamic century. A direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed, his sanctity and direct experience of God are clearly reflected in his writings, poetry, and books.

Table of Contents

Translator's Preface	vii
Introduction	1	(6)
On Certainty	7	(3)
On Intention	10	(3)
On Vigilance	13	(2)
On the Inner and the Outer Self	15	(2)
On Regular Devotions	17	(7)
On Reciting the Qur'an	24	(2)
On Acquiring Knowledge	26	(2)
On Remembrance	28	(3)
On Reflection	31	(5)
On Following the Book and Sunna	36	(4)
On Doctrine	40	(3)
On Religious Obligations	43	(4)
On Cleanliness	47	(4)
On Following the Sunna	51	(9)
On Conduct in Mosques	60	(2)
On the Ritual Prayer	62	(2)
On Prayer in Congregation	64	(4)
On Zakat	68	(3)
On Fasting	71	(3)
On Pilgrimage	74	(3)
On Scrupulousness	77	(5)
On Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil	82	(4)
On Social Duties	86	(4)
On Kindness and Charity	90	(7)
On Counsel	97	(4)
On Salutations and a Salutary Opinion	101	(4)
On Repentance, Hope and Fear	105	(6)
On Fortitude	111	(4)
On Gratitude	115	(2)
On Renunciation	117	(3)
On Reliance on God	120	(3)
On Divine Love and Contentment	123	(5)
Conclusion	128	(7)
Translator's Notes	135	(7)
Glossary	142