Heartfelt Advice To A Friend

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CLAS LLECTION HEARTFELT ADVICE TO A FRIEND Imām ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (d. 751H)
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CHAPTER THREE [Steps in Attaining Happiness] Amongst the matters that people ought to be concerned with and acquire the knowledge and cognition thereof, while ensuring to have the will and intent to achieve all that, is to know that human beings, let alone all other living creatures, are after provisions of pleasure, comfort and good life. Through which they can avert the opposite of what they hope to achieve. Evidently, this is a purpose that all creatures are required to achieve and have a sound objective to pursue. This purpose requires the following six steps mentioned below: 1. To know that which is suitable and bring forth benefits through which a person can attain pleasure and comfort and lead a good life. 2. To know the path leading to it. 3. Embarking upon the path. 4. To know that which causes harm and consequently disturbs one's life. 5. To know the path leading to it. 6. To avoid such a path. Only by following these steps can happiness, pleasure and righteousness can be perfected and assured, otherwise; if either or all the six steps are not followed, one's life will be disturbed 35
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APPENDIX ONE The Virtues of Patience* The Messenger of Allah () said, "Know that great good lies in bearing with patience what you dislike." The narration of 'Umar, the freed-slave of Ghufrah, on the authority of ibn 'Abbas has an additional sentence before this phrase, "If you are able to work deeds for the sake of Allah, being content and in a state of certainty, do so. If you are unable, know that great good lies in bearing with patience what you dislike." The meaning of certainty here is to actualise faith in the decree (Al-Qadr). This is mentioned explicitly in the narration of his son, 'Ali ibn 'Abdullah ibn 'Abbas, on the authority of his father which has the additional wording, I asked, 'Messenger of Allah, how can I act with certainty?' He replied, "That you know that what afflicted you could never have missed you and what missed you could never have afflicted you." However, the isnad is da'if. When you have consolidated the topic of certainty, attaining certainty in the heart of the decree and ordainment necessitates the heart being at rest and peace with it. This very meaning is articulated by the Qur'an: "Taken from 'Legacy of the Prophet' by Ibn Rajab al-Hambali (p.110-132). Published by Dar as-Sunnah Publishers, Birmingham, U.K, 2009. 'Abū Nu'aym, vol. 1, pg. 314 60
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HEARTFELT ADVICE TO A FRIEND Imām 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 'Ala' Al-Din; invoking Allah's Kindness, Guidance and Blessings upon him. Within this translation of Risalatu Ibn Al-Qayyim ila' Ahadi Ikhwanihi', the author explains the finer points of having a need in seeking Allah'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 knowledge-based content of the book reflects Ibn Al-Qayyim's attention to detail, while explaining it 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 Insha'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 rejoice, grace and good life are found only in knowing Allah, worshipping Him alone, feeling comfort and affability with Him, longing to meet Him, and devoting the heart and endeavours for Him." The author, Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (d. 751H), was one of the most prolific scholars of Islam. His inimitable and distinct understanding of Qur'an and Hadith was acknowledged by his peers, while his commentaries and interpretations remain unique in accuracy. He studied under Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah for sixteen years and accompanied him until the latter's death. He authored over sixty works, covering a multitude of Islamic sciences; many of his writings are characterised by their touching address to the heart and soul. He was deeply pious and took great care in how he utilised his time. السنة Visit us www.darassunnah.com ISBN-13: 978-1904336-47-1 ISBN-10: 1-904336-47-7 Där as-Sunnah Publishers P.O. Box 9818, Birmingham, B11 4WA, United Kingdom. E-mail: info@darassunnah.com www.darassunnah.com Copyright by Där as-Sunnah Publishers 9 781904 336471 >