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The Purification of the Soul
Topics discussed include: sincerity, the nature of intention, types of heart, the four poisons of the heart, seeking Allah's forgiveness, supplication, praying at night, love of Allah, hope in Allah, fear of Allah and many others.
181 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
121 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
ابن رجب الحنبلي
128 books182 followersابن رجب الحنبلي (736- 795 هـ) هو الإمام الحافظ العلَّامة زين الدين عبد الرحمن بن أحمد بن عبد الرحمن بن الحسن بن محمد بن أبي البركات مسعود السلامي البغدادي الدمشقي الحنبلي، أبو الفرج الشهير بابن رجب، عالم دين مسلم، ومحدِّث وفقيه حنبلي. اشتهر بشرحه على الأربعون النووية وكان أيضًا المؤلف لكتاب «فتح الباري».
وُلد ابن رجب في بغداد، سنة 736هـ، لأسرة علمية عريقة في العلم والإمامة في الدين.
ثم قدِمَ إلى دمشق وهو صغير سنة 744هـ، وأجازه ابن النقيب، وسمع بمكة على الفخر عثمان بن يوسف، واشتغل بسماع الحديث باعتناء والده. وحدَّث عن محمد بن الخبَّاز، وإبراهيم ابن داود العطَّار، وأبي الحرم محمد بن القلانسي.
وسمع بمصر من صدر الدين أبي الفتح الميدومي، ومن جماعة من أصحاب ابن البُخاري. فأُتيح له تحصيل العلم على أكابر علماء عصره، ونبغ فيه وعلا شأنه في علم الحديث، وبلغ درجة الإمامة في فنونه، بل في أعمقها وأجلِّها، وهو علم الإسناد وعلم العلل، حتى قصده طلَّاب العلم.
وأما في الفقه فقد برع فيه حتى صار من أعلام المذهب الحنبلي، ويشهد على ذلك كتابه (القواعد الفقهية).
وُلد ابن رجب في بغداد، سنة 736هـ، لأسرة علمية عريقة في العلم والإمامة في الدين.
ثم قدِمَ إلى دمشق وهو صغير سنة 744هـ، وأجازه ابن النقيب، وسمع بمكة على الفخر عثمان بن يوسف، واشتغل بسماع الحديث باعتناء والده. وحدَّث عن محمد بن الخبَّاز، وإبراهيم ابن داود العطَّار، وأبي الحرم محمد بن القلانسي.
وسمع بمصر من صدر الدين أبي الفتح الميدومي، ومن جماعة من أصحاب ابن البُخاري. فأُتيح له تحصيل العلم على أكابر علماء عصره، ونبغ فيه وعلا شأنه في علم الحديث، وبلغ درجة الإمامة في فنونه، بل في أعمقها وأجلِّها، وهو علم الإسناد وعلم العلل، حتى قصده طلَّاب العلم.
وأما في الفقه فقد برع فيه حتى صار من أعلام المذهب الحنبلي، ويشهد على ذلك كتابه (القواعد الفقهية).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 30, 2022
They say a cliche is only a cliche because it is true Those words sing perfectly as a recommendation for this book. The perfect iman boost, I found lyself putting life, death, struggle and happiness into perspective when I read this book.
I would read it again and again, whenever I feel the waves of the Dunya sweeping me away
I would read it again and again, whenever I feel the waves of the Dunya sweeping me away
December 26, 2018
Subhan’Allah a book that is beautifully written and eloquent, yet simple and easy to read and understand.
The book talks about and sheds light on basic day-to-day actions that we do as Muslims to purify our souls.
I loved how the whole book to centred around Allah and the author talked about Allah in the chapters. Moreover, he gives examples, ahadith and Ayat for each action and explains them ever so beautifully
I definitely see myself reading this book over and over again in the future.
The book talks about and sheds light on basic day-to-day actions that we do as Muslims to purify our souls.
I loved how the whole book to centred around Allah and the author talked about Allah in the chapters. Moreover, he gives examples, ahadith and Ayat for each action and explains them ever so beautifully
I definitely see myself reading this book over and over again in the future.
February 23, 2022
Excellent book. The compiler adds understanding to the collection of sayings so we can benefit from them. I recommend this greatly to everyone. All about rectifying our soul and the knowledge and actions required to try and do that.
April 13, 2020
Great content. Poor tanslation
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April 3, 2023It is a shame that such a useful, concise book is full of so many typos, grammatical errors and even misquotes verses from the Qur’an.
I understand the difficulty in translating pioneering works written in classical Arabic, but it would have been less wordy, the editing done more carefully.
The book truly sets this worldly life into perspective and allows for a better understanding of one's soul and it's strive to return to it's Creator.
I understand the difficulty in translating pioneering works written in classical Arabic, but it would have been less wordy, the editing done more carefully.
The book truly sets this worldly life into perspective and allows for a better understanding of one's soul and it's strive to return to it's Creator.
July 28, 2020
i really needed this book ive been struggling with depression. i had the feeling that nothing satisfies amymore. this book is an examplen of the depth of islam as a worldview.
January 18, 2017
[ Purification of the Soul ]
This is not the same as the one that Hamza Yusof translated. But I believe the idea of the content should be the same.
A lot of points worth mentioning here, but I'll keep it short here. I'll just take one which I feel is very touching.
Repentance has a beginning and an end. The beginning is when the servant is bestowed the feeling to actually repent and ask for His forgiveness. The inner feeling itself is a 'rizq' of Allah.
And the end of the repentance is when the time comes. Surely, those who are kept in a state of constant repentance and does good, is surely in true repentance.
Prior to the act of repentance is the Allah's first act of forgiveness; in the sense of permission, inspiration and assistance which brings to repentance.
The second act of forgiveness is acceptance and recompense.
So rejoice are those who in the first place, who feels like repenting to Allah, for that is the 'forgiveness' that Allah graces.
Wallahua'lam.
This is not the same as the one that Hamza Yusof translated. But I believe the idea of the content should be the same.
A lot of points worth mentioning here, but I'll keep it short here. I'll just take one which I feel is very touching.
Repentance has a beginning and an end. The beginning is when the servant is bestowed the feeling to actually repent and ask for His forgiveness. The inner feeling itself is a 'rizq' of Allah.
And the end of the repentance is when the time comes. Surely, those who are kept in a state of constant repentance and does good, is surely in true repentance.
Prior to the act of repentance is the Allah's first act of forgiveness; in the sense of permission, inspiration and assistance which brings to repentance.
The second act of forgiveness is acceptance and recompense.
So rejoice are those who in the first place, who feels like repenting to Allah, for that is the 'forgiveness' that Allah graces.
Wallahua'lam.
April 12, 2014
Does anyone know where I can purchase this book?
Managed to read it through e-book and trust me, this book is quite a treasure, ones should keep it!
Managed to read it through e-book and trust me, this book is quite a treasure, ones should keep it!
June 15, 2020
I loved the perspective this book offered, but man- the writing style really made this book unenjoyable
November 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
Purification of the Soul
by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (رحمه الله) — (Paperback)
This is a beneficial and sincere work, rooted in sound sources and written with the intention of guiding the heart toward tazkiyah, not merely informing the intellect. As expected from Ibn Rajab (رحمه الله), the content is well-anchored in Qur’an, Hadith, and the legacy of early scholars. There are chapters here that offer real gems of reflection — especially for anyone seeking to refine character, recognize the diseases of the heart, and walk the path of inner purification.
That said, while each chapter is valuable individually, the book as a whole feels somewhat fragmented in flow. The topics are strong, but they don’t fully bind together into a single narrative arc. It reads more like a collection of important insights rather than a continuous journey of the soul. I also felt the preface — though concise — could have offered more framing for readers, especially those approaching purification literature for the first time.
Still, it is a book worth owning and revisiting. What it lacks in structural “glue” it compensates for through authenticity — there is no filler here, only selected knowledge, carefully cited and delivered with integrity. It is the kind of book one benefits from in small, reflective doses, rather than a single sitting.
A final note worth mentioning: the cover design is striking in its symbolism — the dark border surrounding the image of gushing water subtly mirrors the theme of tazkiyah: purification emerging from depth, and light reflecting through motion. A thoughtful visual touch.
May every heart that reads this book draw nearer to Allah, and may the knowledge within it become a means of ongoing sadaqah for its author, its transmitters, and anyone who revives its teachings. آمين.
Purification of the Soul
by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (رحمه الله) — (Paperback)
This is a beneficial and sincere work, rooted in sound sources and written with the intention of guiding the heart toward tazkiyah, not merely informing the intellect. As expected from Ibn Rajab (رحمه الله), the content is well-anchored in Qur’an, Hadith, and the legacy of early scholars. There are chapters here that offer real gems of reflection — especially for anyone seeking to refine character, recognize the diseases of the heart, and walk the path of inner purification.
That said, while each chapter is valuable individually, the book as a whole feels somewhat fragmented in flow. The topics are strong, but they don’t fully bind together into a single narrative arc. It reads more like a collection of important insights rather than a continuous journey of the soul. I also felt the preface — though concise — could have offered more framing for readers, especially those approaching purification literature for the first time.
Still, it is a book worth owning and revisiting. What it lacks in structural “glue” it compensates for through authenticity — there is no filler here, only selected knowledge, carefully cited and delivered with integrity. It is the kind of book one benefits from in small, reflective doses, rather than a single sitting.
A final note worth mentioning: the cover design is striking in its symbolism — the dark border surrounding the image of gushing water subtly mirrors the theme of tazkiyah: purification emerging from depth, and light reflecting through motion. A thoughtful visual touch.
May every heart that reads this book draw nearer to Allah, and may the knowledge within it become a means of ongoing sadaqah for its author, its transmitters, and anyone who revives its teachings. آمين.
May 20, 2025
Cartea aceasta este genul acela care se ține pe măsuța de cafea. Nu se citește dintr-o singură suflare, nu are acțiune, dar are multe sfaturi de viață în special pentru musulmani, dar poate fi citită și de către nemusulmani, în principal de către cei care vor să își liniștească inimile și tumultul sufletesc prin intermediul spiritualității.
Am avut nevoie de acest volum mai ales în această perioadă destul de tulbure. Este o lectură de suflet și pentru suflet, despre inimi, tipuri de inimă, despre ceea ce duce la îmbolnăvirea inimii, despre sinceritate și intenția corectă pentru a face anumite lucruri, despre credință și întoarcerea spre ea atunci când totul pare negru. În plus, ne învață despre importanța recunoștinței, pentru a avea un suflet liniștit, despre rugăciune, hrană pentru trup și minte în egală măsură.
E genul acela de carte pe care o păstrezi lângă tine pentru toate acele momente când nu te simți extrem de bine, când ai nevoie de încurajare, de îmbrățișarea unui prieten apropiat. Este ceva la care sunt sigură că vor reveni din când în când.
Am avut nevoie de acest volum mai ales în această perioadă destul de tulbure. Este o lectură de suflet și pentru suflet, despre inimi, tipuri de inimă, despre ceea ce duce la îmbolnăvirea inimii, despre sinceritate și intenția corectă pentru a face anumite lucruri, despre credință și întoarcerea spre ea atunci când totul pare negru. În plus, ne învață despre importanța recunoștinței, pentru a avea un suflet liniștit, despre rugăciune, hrană pentru trup și minte în egală măsură.
E genul acela de carte pe care o păstrezi lângă tine pentru toate acele momente când nu te simți extrem de bine, când ai nevoie de încurajare, de îmbrățișarea unui prieten apropiat. Este ceva la care sunt sigură că vor reveni din când în când.
August 7, 2024
“True devotion is to lose the faculty of
being conscious of your devotion; for someone who identifies devotion in his devotion is a person whose devotion is in need of devotion." To contemplate devotion is to admire it, and admiration is an affliction; and that which is pure is whatever is free of all afflictions. This means that
one's deeds should be purified from any self-admiration concerning the actions they entail.”
I learned so much and I’m scared!
being conscious of your devotion; for someone who identifies devotion in his devotion is a person whose devotion is in need of devotion." To contemplate devotion is to admire it, and admiration is an affliction; and that which is pure is whatever is free of all afflictions. This means that
one's deeds should be purified from any self-admiration concerning the actions they entail.”
I learned so much and I’m scared!
April 25, 2023
This book is a tazkiyah gem. Easy for a beginner, a reminder for everyone. I won't get into how or why it took me so long to finish it but now I'll task myself with (re) reading it at least once a year.
Short chapters packed full of gems on forgiveness, gratitude, love of Allah and many other very important topics.
Short chapters packed full of gems on forgiveness, gratitude, love of Allah and many other very important topics.
October 29, 2023
If you can look past the poor translation, then this book is a gem. This short read draws it's content from the great teachers of tazkiyah and presents a literal handbook on how to purify your soul - from loving Allah to the importance of seeking forgiveness. It truly was a mirror that kept pushing me to reflect on the self and my journey to Allah.
October 16, 2024
This is an excellent overview of the prophetic practices to purify your soul. It provides a more somber approach to Tassawuf that salafis, traditionalists, and sufis alike will resonate with. You will feel the desire to increase your ibaadaafter reading this. I will certainly be revisited by the book to boost my Iman, in shaa Allah. Definitely recommended!
August 25, 2024
8.00/10
this one is a complete summary, a guidebook even to the journey of purifying one's soul by getting closer to Allah.
recommend if you're already a muslim looking for further guidance or knowledge on the same topic written as the title.
this one is a complete summary, a guidebook even to the journey of purifying one's soul by getting closer to Allah.
recommend if you're already a muslim looking for further guidance or knowledge on the same topic written as the title.
November 14, 2018
Loved it. Highly recommend. One to reference in the future.
February 27, 2022
an absolute gem of a book maShaAllah
September 28, 2024
Important teachings that all muslims should strive to act upon
September 22, 2016
must read .. loved it and can read it again and again... great reminder
February 28, 2023
Absolutely Brilliant.
If you're looking for a comprehensive book written about the purification of the soul through drawing near to Allah then this is the book for you. It goes through things that should become a part of your daily life and why. Each chapter could be read over and over. This book has no filler; it is all practical and applicable. I can't put into words how this book changed my life and relationship with Allah.
Please read it if you're interesting, you will NOT regret it insA, Allahu Alem.
May Allah guide and bless us all.
If you're looking for a comprehensive book written about the purification of the soul through drawing near to Allah then this is the book for you. It goes through things that should become a part of your daily life and why. Each chapter could be read over and over. This book has no filler; it is all practical and applicable. I can't put into words how this book changed my life and relationship with Allah.
Please read it if you're interesting, you will NOT regret it insA, Allahu Alem.
May Allah guide and bless us all.
June 24, 2008
This is a lovely book that was given to me by a friend as an Eid gift. I enjoyed reading this. It was filled with Qu'ran and Sunnah and was very insightful. We must constantly be on guard and not leave our souls to get tarnished. We must clean them constantly and be aware of the fact that this life is fleeting and the next life is eternal. Only those who come to Allah with a clean and pure heart will be those who have obtained real success.
January 29, 2012
I started this book in ramadan and absorbed its contents like a sponge, however, didn't manage to finish it and the concepts are more difficult to grasp. Will try fininsh in next few weeks!
Its a spiritual book about the prescence of God, knowing the prescence of Him, acting in accordance with it, in your heart, mind, soul....lovely if you're into religion and Islam.
Its a spiritual book about the prescence of God, knowing the prescence of Him, acting in accordance with it, in your heart, mind, soul....lovely if you're into religion and Islam.
January 17, 2013
Excellent source of knowledge, The author cites his sources but to the reader be catious because there are some things that are questionable. I recommend the reader cross-reference this knowledge to gain more certainty within themselves. I wish to remind the reader to keep the book in its true perspective and enjoy your journey :)
December 2, 2023
One of my top books that I always go back to reading for an Imaan boost! Also a perfect read for Ramadan. Clear, precise and concise topics. Shifts our perspective from yearning for the Dunya to yearning for the Akhira.
Has a firm place on my top shelf!
Has a firm place on my top shelf!
April 2, 2007
wonderful analysis on the state of the heart and conditions in which to rectify it. written by three of the most prominent Muslim scholars/jurist in the history of the religion.
Currently reading
October 31, 2012reallllly really good. one is not gna know the value of it until he/she reads it.
December 24, 2013
very interesting book. not a word can express my feeling while reading this writing
April 11, 2013
Wonderful, wonderful read. Showcases the most spiritual islam you can practice without falling into the blindness of Sufism. Allah bless the writers, Amin.
September 5, 2019
Eye opener, for sure..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews