The Journey of the Strangers

Ibn Rajab's Monographs

by ابن رجب الحنبلي, Abu Bakr al-Ajurri, Abu Rumaysah (Translator)

In this age of materialism, consumerism and extreme liberalism, the Muslim often finds himself at a loss, at odds to the ebb and flow of society, and holding to values, divinely revealed, that contrast starkly with the values held by many around him. He or she is looked at askance, accused of being backward, non-conformist and refusing to integrate. In the face of peer pressure, the resolve of some may weaken, the result being a watering-down of one's adherence to Islam and the values it calls to.

The Prophet ﷺ warned us that a time would come in which Islam and the Muslims would be beheld as strangers, not just by non-Muslims but by many Muslims as well! He informed us that days were coming in which trying to keep hold of one's religion would be like holding red hot coals, and he stressed the paramount importance of holding fast to Islam in its pristine purity during that time, stating that this, and only this, was the path to success in this life and the next.

This book is a compilation of two tracts which explain the hadith, 'Islam began as something strange and it will return to being strange just as it began, so blessed are the strangers!' It is hoped that it will be a source of comfort and inspiration for the Muslim who is striving to follow Islam at a time when the Muslim could well feel alienated and alone in the world.

The first is a treatise penned by the great Imam, al-Ajurri (d.330H), a scholar known for his deep knowledge and piety, his quality being recognised by all. The second is a monograph written by the Imam, Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (d.795H), a scholar praised extensively for his vast knowledge, ascetism and expertise in the Hanbali school of thought. An introduction has been added from the words of Shatibi and an appendix from Ibn Qayyim's monumental Madarij al-Salikin.

Genres: Islam, Religion

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

ابن 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).

Reviews

[eny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Be in this world like a stranger or somebody passing on his way".
In another narration: “Islam began as something strange and it will return to being something strange, so tūbā (glad tidings) to the strangers!"

[Abeer Arain · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book about being a stranger in this temporary world! It conveys a profound message for our time when we see so many people chasing fame, glory, and recognition.

[aish]

a gem

[Ahya' · Rating 5 out of 5]

Widened my view on the term of strangers. The strangers in the book were not only estranged because of the Deen itself, but more on how the strangers interpreted the Deen and his relationship with Allah The Almighty The Magnificent, himselves. Indeed, the incredible difficulties and obstructions of being the strangers of the world in the hope to be de-estranged in the hereafter in the 'eyes' of Allah, are nothing compared to the sweetness of His Heaven and Its grace. The ability of a person to define and embrace strangeness beyond others are indeed gifts from Allah, The Almighty The Magnificent, and shall not be ignored or wasted.

[Muslim Nazir · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book when I was in 10th class… or maybe 9th. I don’t remember exactly. But I remember what it did to me.

It talks about being a stranger — like the Prophet ﷺ said — live in this world as if you are a traveler, someone who just stopped for a while and will soon leave. This is not your permanent residence. You are not here to stay.

And when you really understand this… your whole way of seeing life changes.

You stop carrying grudges.
You stop feeding your ego.
You don’t get mad at people so easily anymore.

Because what are you even fighting for?
You are just a stranger here.

Whether people are good to you or bad to you — it doesn’t matter that much. You have nothing permanent here anyway. Everything is with Allah. No expectations. No heavy attachment.

This book gives you a reality check. A real one.

Before reading it, I was very conscious about this world — about achieving things, proving things, stressing over things. But after reading it, I started questioning myself… Why am I stressing so much for something that isn’t even permanent? I’m going to take nothing from here. Then why am I holding so tightly to everything?

It shifted my perspective completely.

If someone ever asks me to recommend one book for a Muslim — something that can change his perspective — I would say Return of the Strangers without thinking twice.

Every Muslim, at least once in their life, should read this book.

It reminds you who you are.

Just a traveler.

[Abdulfattah Popoola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the statements in the book could not be attributed and it contains a couple of stories and poetry.

Best quote so far though:
Do not hoard things for your soul, do not look down on any person because of your worldly allotment, carefully preserve the limits of Alaah, Mighty and Magnificient. At times when your base desires intensify; breathe the refreshing fragrance of doing what He loves, even if you find it strenuous; and finally I say to you an all-encompassing word: never desire any save Him by your deeds.

[txsmiyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book read- spiritually reviving and inspiriting. It helps one surround themselves with positive thinking even in stressful times and allows you to connect to you purpose again.

[Lubat]

I really need some good book recs, nothing is letting me focus on these books

[Ceri and Rumaysa Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving exploration of some of the ahadith in which the Prophet (saw) spoke about 'the Strangers'.

[AB.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is remarkable- well structured and easy to understand in order to put into practice. one of the books i will re -read over and over again IA.