Heartfelt Advice to a Friend

Heartfelt Advice to a Friend by Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (d. 751H)

In this short yet substantial tract of ibn al-Qayyim, he pens a message of heartfelt advice and appreciation to a friend of his by the name of 'Alā' Al-Dīn, invoking Allāh's Kindness, Guidance, and Blessing upon him. In this translation of 'Risalatu ibn al-Qayyim ila' Ahadi Ikhwāwanihi'(ترجمة لـ "رسالة ابن القيم إلى أحد إخوانه), the author explains the finer points of recognizing the need to seek Allāh's Guidance in all our affairs and the means to persist upon the Straight Path. The risalah includes six weighty elements by which a Muslim can achieve happiness and pleasure, and through which righteousness can be perfected. 

The book's knowledge-based content reflects ibn al-Qayyim's attention to detail and is explained in an easy-to-understand manner; it's modelled as sincere advice to his friend that will, of course, be of wider benefit to all who read it IN SHA ALLAH. He commented that, "if you come to know what I have explained (in this message), you will then know that the ultimate pleasure, perfect delight and rejoicing, grace and good life are found only in knowing Allāh, worshipping Him alone, feeling comfort and affability with Him, longing to meet Him, and devoting the heart and endeavours for Him.