There is no notebook you can reference, nor notes you can check, nor a pen with which you can write down your thoughts, nor a book you can review, nor a time for remembrance and contemplation. You are being tested with three questions, nothing more; while (covered) in dirt and with no means of this life. Allah the Blessed and Exalted states,
“From it We created you (the earth), and unto it We will return you, and from it We will bring you out a second time.” Taha (20:55)
“(This is) a Book (the Qur’ān) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its verses, and that men of understanding may remember.” [Sād:29].
Before you is an explanation of one of the classical works on prayer and ablution written by the Imaam and Mujaddid of the 13th century, Muhammad bin Abdil-Wahhaab, may Allaah have mercy on him. This book: “The Conditions, Pillars and Requirements of Prayer” is a brief treatise designed for easy memorization and retaining since the author lists each point briefly followed by its proof from the Qur’an and Sunnah. The study and careful review of this classical work will give the reader a concise and general understanding of the basic fundamentals and legal rulings of ablution and prayer and produce students with firm knowledge of the core and subsidiary issues of prayer, which is the first thing we will be asked about on the Day of Judgement. It is for this reason that this classical work continues to be taught today all over the world. From among the several scholars that explained this treatise are Shaikhs Muhammad Amaan Al-Jaamee and ‘Abdul-Mushin Al-‘Abbaad. In an effort to bring as much benefit as possible to the English readers, both of these explanations have been translated and included in this book.
The author extracted these aspects from the Qur’aan and Sunnah and summarized them in a short treatise as individual points. The commentator, Shaikh Saalih Al-Fawzaan, has elaborated on each of these 128 points, providing a simple yet comprehensive discussion on all of them in well over 300 pages. This book is excellent for all types of readers in that it covers a wide range of Islamic topics, presenting each subject matter in a clear and easy-to-understand manner.
Based on the scholars’ continual advice to the Muslim youth, combined with the specific need that Muslims in the West have to understand and implement upright moral character, the importance of this book and the need for its translation into the English language becomes crystal clear. And what better guidebook than one based on the character of the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace), authored by an exemplary scholar like Shaykh Ibn al-‘Uthaymeen, known for his outstanding manners!
This book provides detailed and insightful glimpses into the extraordinary life of the first Caliph of the Muslims, Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq (May Allah be pleased with him), and his massive contribution to all of humanity.
Therefore, a vital question is: what are the keys to happiness? Imam Ibn al-Qayyim tackles this question in this book and mentions a number of ways to attain happiness in light of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, starting with the fundamental of all fundamentals, which is Tawhid (Islamic Monotheism). He explains what happiness is and he clarifies the way to attain it. Al-Allamah Muhammad Aman al-Jami mentions some explanatory comments to the tremendous words of Imam Ibn al-Qayyim
This is the first task of the religion; or rather, it is its foundational task, such that there is no task other than it. Namely, release the human being from his habitual whims, his soul’s desires and embrace the commands of Allah and His Messenger. Upon the fulfillment of this purpose, the individual will inherently be a judge on himself/herself: is he/she a sincere adherent to his Lord’s religion, or is this just an empty claim where the words boast of it while there is no reality behind it? If the individual submits his heart to Allah, the Lord of the universe, and His commands and prohibitions then this is true submission; otherwise, if he contends with Allah in His commands, prohibitions, fate and divine decree, what kind of Muslim is this?!
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