This volume discusses the influence of polytheism and mysticism on the development of Greek philosophy which in turn forever transformed Christianity. It then shows how a continuation of this process weakened the Muslim world until it was devastated by the Crusades and the Mongol invasions. Rabī’ b. Hādī al Madkhalī states, “The ideological assault began before the days of M’amūn — it was in the days of Jahm b. Ṣafwān (78-128 h.). Since that time, the plots against Islam began, and the scheme was pointed at the core of Islam.” Even many orientalists recognized that the onslaught of Western philosophy caused the decline of Muslim civilization.
This book explains these invaluable directives cited by Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim in a simple and clear manner. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim said: The Messengers of Allah came with the call to eternal comfort and to the Magnificent kingdom of paradise’. Whoever responds to them will receive the greatest enjoyment of this world and the most pleasant of what exists therein. His life in this world is more pleasant than the life of the kings and anyone else. This is something that the devil envies the believer for with the greatest envy and he strives in every possible way to deprive the believer of this. If the servant controls his desires and anger and if they yield to the call of the religion, then he is a true king. This is because the possessor of this dominion is free and independent, whereas the king who surrenders to his desires and anger is a captive of his lusts and anger. So in reality he is a subservient subject in the attire of a king who as being steered by the reins of lust and anger. as a camel is led. The person who is deceived and deluded focuses his sight solely upon the visible dominion, which appears like a kingdom but in reality is nothing more than slavery, and he focuses upon the lusts that are initially pleasurable but in the end are [a source of] regret.”
Purification of the soul is by way of the legislative methods, balance, and moderation, such that there is neither negligence nor exaggeration. Instead, it is by clinging to the guidance of the prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and his firm methodology.
I will mention, within this concise work, ten importance principles which will assist the Muslim in purifying and strengthening his soul as well as cleansing it from everything which would sully and defile it.
Furthermore, in seeking the correct understanding of Islam, he makes clear the status of the Companions when he says, ‘No matter how much an individual excels in intelligence, aptitude and cleverness, he cannot do without the understanding of the Salaf.
Even great Scholars like Shaafi’ee, Malik, Ahmed, Abu Haneefa and others were in great need of referring back to the illustrious companions (may Allah be pleased with them). Ash- Shaafi’ee said: ‘The companions are superior to us in all aspects of knowledge, intelligence and understanding.’’
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