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Ibn Rajab's Monographs
The Journey to Allah
Bukhari records on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet said, "Your actions alone will not save any of you." They asked, Messenger of Allah, not even you?, He replied, 'Not even me, unless, Allah were to envelop me in His mercy. Be firm; steadfast and balanced; and journey [to Allah] in the beginning of the day, the end of the day, and a portion of the latter part of the night. Moderation, moderation! Through this you will attain your goal!"
He also recorded this Hadith in another place with the wording, 'This religion is easy, none makes it hard upon himself except that it overwhelms him; therefore be firm, steadfast, and balanced; upon which have glad tidings! Seek help in this by journeying [to Allah] at the beginning of the day, at the end of the day, and a portion of the latter part of night.'
He also records on the authority of Aishah that the Prophet said, Be firm, steadfast, and balanced upon which have glad tidings for indeed actions alone will not cause one to enter Paradise. They asked Messenger of Allah, not even you? He replied, Not even me, unless Allah were to envelop me in His forgiveness and mercy
He also records on her authority that the Prophet said, Be Firm, steadfast and balanced: know that your actions alone will not be a cause for your entry into Paradise and that the most beloved actions to Allah are those that are done continuously and persistently, even if they be few. These noble ahadith details a great and important principle from which stem many issues related to the journey to Allah while wayfaring along His Path.
Some of the Salaf said, 'The Hereafter consists either of Allah's forgiveness or the Fire; and this world is either a source of Allah's protection or a source of destruction.' On his deathbed, Muhammad ibn Waasi bid farewell to his companions saying, 'Peace be upon you, either to the Fire or to the forgiveness of Allah.'
He also recorded this Hadith in another place with the wording, 'This religion is easy, none makes it hard upon himself except that it overwhelms him; therefore be firm, steadfast, and balanced; upon which have glad tidings! Seek help in this by journeying [to Allah] at the beginning of the day, at the end of the day, and a portion of the latter part of night.'
He also records on the authority of Aishah that the Prophet said, Be firm, steadfast, and balanced upon which have glad tidings for indeed actions alone will not cause one to enter Paradise. They asked Messenger of Allah, not even you? He replied, Not even me, unless Allah were to envelop me in His forgiveness and mercy
He also records on her authority that the Prophet said, Be Firm, steadfast and balanced: know that your actions alone will not be a cause for your entry into Paradise and that the most beloved actions to Allah are those that are done continuously and persistently, even if they be few. These noble ahadith details a great and important principle from which stem many issues related to the journey to Allah while wayfaring along His Path.
Some of the Salaf said, 'The Hereafter consists either of Allah's forgiveness or the Fire; and this world is either a source of Allah's protection or a source of destruction.' On his deathbed, Muhammad ibn Waasi bid farewell to his companions saying, 'Peace be upon you, either to the Fire or to the forgiveness of Allah.'
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
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290 people want to read
About the author
ابن رجب الحنبلي
132 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 17, 2019
I love this book so much. It has such an unique message compared to other books I've read. It baisically comes down to the following:
'As for the Great Principle, it is that the deeds of man are not sufficient to deliver him from Hellfire, or to grant him entry into paradise; instead this can only come through the mercy of Allah and His forgiveness.'
I believe if one truly realizes this it will have a very humbling effect.
One of my favourite parts of this masterpiece is the following explanation of the hadith :
"There is no favour which Allah bestows upon His servant for which he says, 'Al-Hamdulilah,' except that which he gave was better than that which he took."
The meaning of favour mentioned in the hadith is worldy favour and the statement of praising Allah is one of the religious favours. Religious favours are better than worldy favours. Now, because the favour of praising Allah has been attributed to the servant since he articulated it, Allah considers him as giving the greater favour as return for the original favour. When in reality it is Allah who granted both.
Another piece that left a deep impression on me is;
' Some of the Salaf said, 'When a servant commits a sin and says, "My lord, You decreed this for me!" His Lord will say, "You are the one who sinned and disobeyed Me!" Now if the servant says, "My Lord, I erred, committed a sin, and wrought evil," Allah will respond by saying, "I decreed this upon you and I will forgive you."
'As for the Great Principle, it is that the deeds of man are not sufficient to deliver him from Hellfire, or to grant him entry into paradise; instead this can only come through the mercy of Allah and His forgiveness.'
I believe if one truly realizes this it will have a very humbling effect.
One of my favourite parts of this masterpiece is the following explanation of the hadith :
"There is no favour which Allah bestows upon His servant for which he says, 'Al-Hamdulilah,' except that which he gave was better than that which he took."
The meaning of favour mentioned in the hadith is worldy favour and the statement of praising Allah is one of the religious favours. Religious favours are better than worldy favours. Now, because the favour of praising Allah has been attributed to the servant since he articulated it, Allah considers him as giving the greater favour as return for the original favour. When in reality it is Allah who granted both.
Another piece that left a deep impression on me is;
' Some of the Salaf said, 'When a servant commits a sin and says, "My lord, You decreed this for me!" His Lord will say, "You are the one who sinned and disobeyed Me!" Now if the servant says, "My Lord, I erred, committed a sin, and wrought evil," Allah will respond by saying, "I decreed this upon you and I will forgive you."
April 1, 2023
“The path to Allah is to traverse His Straight Path with which He sent His Messenger ﷺ and for which He revealed His Book. It is this Path that He commanded the whole of creation to traverse. Ibn Mas'ūd said, ‘The Straight Path: Muhammad ﷺ left us on one end of it and the other end is in Paradise. To its right and left are paths branching off on which stand people summoning those who pass by them. Whoever takes to those paths will end up in the Fire but the one who remains on the Path will end up in Paradise.’
Then he recited :
‘And verily this is My Straight Path, so follow it.
Follow not other ways, lest you be parted from His way. This has He ordained for you, that you may ward off (evil).’”
[6:153]
Then he recited :
‘And verily this is My Straight Path, so follow it.
Follow not other ways, lest you be parted from His way. This has He ordained for you, that you may ward off (evil).’”
[6:153]
April 29, 2022
With Ramadan coming to a close, the self reflection begins and I think this closing statement/quote is a beautiful summary of our state and how much we need to act upon these reminders and be steadfast on the high from Ramadan.
‘By Allah were man to know for what he was created,
He would not be remiss nor would he sleep
He was created for such a thing that be assured
We’re hearts to see it neither stray would they nor sleep
Death, then to the grave, then to be resurrected:
Rebuke dire and terrors appalling,
For the Day of Gathering have men exerted,
Praying and fasting in trepidation deep!
But we, when prohibited or commanded,
Are like the people of the cave: awake yet asleep!’
‘By Allah were man to know for what he was created,
He would not be remiss nor would he sleep
He was created for such a thing that be assured
We’re hearts to see it neither stray would they nor sleep
Death, then to the grave, then to be resurrected:
Rebuke dire and terrors appalling,
For the Day of Gathering have men exerted,
Praying and fasting in trepidation deep!
But we, when prohibited or commanded,
Are like the people of the cave: awake yet asleep!’
September 20, 2023
"my sins, were I but to ponder them, are copious,
but greater yet is my Lord's forgiveness:
In my righteous deeds lies not my expectation,
but in the mercy of Allah have I anticipation" (pg.36)
so many eye opening benefits. every page was filled with something to ponder about. makes you rethink your life and what exactly is it that you're aiming for, and if that aim isn't Jannah, then it's all pointless. stresses the importance of meeting Allāh and placing that as our number 1 priority. beautiful book.
but greater yet is my Lord's forgiveness:
In my righteous deeds lies not my expectation,
but in the mercy of Allah have I anticipation" (pg.36)
so many eye opening benefits. every page was filled with something to ponder about. makes you rethink your life and what exactly is it that you're aiming for, and if that aim isn't Jannah, then it's all pointless. stresses the importance of meeting Allāh and placing that as our number 1 priority. beautiful book.
January 30, 2018
This books is an explanation of the Hadith "Your actions alone will not save any of you".
Very very great for us to contemplate our actions in dunya. Beautifully written yet easy to understand. Highly recommended.
Very very great for us to contemplate our actions in dunya. Beautifully written yet easy to understand. Highly recommended.
February 6, 2018
“Your actions alone will not save any of you”
April 9, 2024
With Ramadan coming to an end, I think this is one of the best reads to finish with a bang. The hadith “actions alone won’t save you” explained by ibn Rajab, is a short reflection and a powerful reminder that it is Allahs Rahma and Maghfira that will save us. “This then requires the believer to abandon thinking highly of his deeds and to look solely to the grace of Allah and His blessings”. And it is then through seeking out traits of Taqwa that we become closer to Him سبحانه وتعالى
'By Allah, I have never come to visit you
Except that I found the earth compacting for me,
And never have I resolved to leave your door
Except that I tripped over my own garments!'
'By Allah, I have never come to visit you
Except that I found the earth compacting for me,
And never have I resolved to leave your door
Except that I tripped over my own garments!'
August 18, 2022
This was a read along with Dr. Tahir Wyatt on YouTube. I did more listening as an audiobook than reading along. Worth listening to again.
September 12, 2024
I have reread this book multiple times, truly has so many reminders that humbles me and my position before الله and makes me weep every time, especially when I read about الله’s mercy. I loved this book and I recommend it to every muslim as a must read.
July 31, 2013
SubhanAllah walhamdulillah Allahu Akbar!
It would really be no exaggeration to say that this book was one of the best eye-openers I have read in a very long time.
It would really be no exaggeration to say that this book was one of the best eye-openers I have read in a very long time.
October 7, 2023
beautiful book
This book was such an easy amazing and beautiful reads it was so simple to understand and was packed with so much information that I found to be very helpful. I loved this book a lot and enjoyed it so much I couldn’t put it down I read it all in one day. Hats off to the author such a beautiful amazing book and a joy to read ❤️
This book was such an easy amazing and beautiful reads it was so simple to understand and was packed with so much information that I found to be very helpful. I loved this book a lot and enjoyed it so much I couldn’t put it down I read it all in one day. Hats off to the author such a beautiful amazing book and a joy to read ❤️
April 25, 2021
The book is highly beneficial as one learns from it that deeds are not sufficient for one to enter Paradise and thus one should practice Deen in moderation. This book is quite a practical guide for a living a balanced life. Must read.
August 13, 2025
Reality explained
One of the great words I have read. It reminds us that we humans have no power we still walk on the earth with such false pride. All praise to Allah, the Almighty and magnificent, the creator of the universe!!
One of the great words I have read. It reminds us that we humans have no power we still walk on the earth with such false pride. All praise to Allah, the Almighty and magnificent, the creator of the universe!!
March 17, 2024
This could’ve been a good book but I just don’t think it’s for me.
August 31, 2024
A beautiful reminder needed. Consistency is what we should strive for and not making the dunya our end goal.
June 1, 2023
In this book, he (rahimahullaah) explains the hadith recorded in Bukhaari, where the Prophet ﷺ said to his companions (radiyAllaahu anhum): “Your actions alone will not save any of you.” They asked, ‘Messenger of Allah, not even you?’ He replied, “Not even me, unless Allaah were to envelop me in His mercy. Be firm; steadfast and balanced; and journey [to Allah] in the beginning of the day, the end of the day, and a portion of the latter part of the night. Moderation, moderation! Through this you will attain your goal!”
He (rahimahullaah) takes the reader through a concise and practical commentary on this hadith, explaining what it means to be “firm, steadfast and balanced” in our worship, the goal of worship, the meaning and manifestation of moderation in worship and the most beloved deeds to Allaah.
Indeed, he simplifies the meaning of worship while offering a pragmatic approach and guide relevant to the average Muslim seeking to reconnect with their Lord.
He (rahimahullaah) takes the reader through a concise and practical commentary on this hadith, explaining what it means to be “firm, steadfast and balanced” in our worship, the goal of worship, the meaning and manifestation of moderation in worship and the most beloved deeds to Allaah.
Indeed, he simplifies the meaning of worship while offering a pragmatic approach and guide relevant to the average Muslim seeking to reconnect with their Lord.
March 6, 2014
It's refreshing. May Allah guide us to the right path.
May 23, 2015
It was okay...kind of an average book, to be honest, but not bad at all.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews