Collected by Umar Quinn from the writings of Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn al-Qayyim, Ibn Rajab, and more.
The science of the spiritual journey in Islam ('ilm al-suluk) is commonly called by many names: steadfastness (al-istiqamah), servitude (al-'ubudiyyah), asceticism (al-zuhd), self-purification (tazkiyyah al-nafs), and character reformation (tahdhib al-akhlaq). It is the migration of the soul to Allah and the Hereafter upon the path of the Noble Prophet ﷺ. It is the study of the states of the heart and their effects on behavior.
What This Volume Covers
Undoubtedly, the pious predecessors (al-Salaf al-Salih) and those who followed them in goodness were upon the wisest, most knowledgeable and safest way in their approach to the spiritual journey, in both knowledge and action. This volume is a primer on the subject, highlighting its preliminaries: its source materials, its connection to the 'Aqidah of the Salaf, the stations of the spiritual path, and its hazards.
The Warning About the Sufi Approach
Some of the greatest hazards and pitfalls for those embarking upon the spiritual journey are found in the Sufi approach to the subject. Because so many Muslims confuse self-purification with Sufism, this volume explains the grave dangers of the Sufi way — which is the distinguishing feature of the book and the reason it exists as a separate treatment rather than a general work on spirituality.
Quality Over Quantity
The righteous predecessors took the approach of striving diligently with one's heart while maintaining moderation in bodily worship — in other words, they assigned greater priority to quality over quantity. When the heart comes to life in such a fashion, the believer enjoys happiness and is blessed with great resilience.
That principle cuts against a common assumption: that spiritual progress is a matter of increasing the volume of worship. The Salaf's position was the opposite, and this collection sets out their reasoning.
Who It Is For
In this inhumane modern era, in which people are searching for meaning and identity, this collection of classical scholarly advice serves as a timely remedy. Suited to Muslims drawn to the inner dimension of the religion who want it grounded firmly in the Qur'an and Sunnah.
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