Tears of the Yearners for the Meeting with God

by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, Abdullah bin Hamid Ali (Translator)

This booklet is a translation of one chapter from Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali’s book Lata’if al – Ma’arif fi ma li Mawasim al – ‘Am min al – Waza’if (Subtle Realizations of the Spiritual Protocols of the Seasons). It is the chapter entitled, “Khitam al-‘Am” (The Year’s End), wherein the author speaks about the best way to end one’s year of worship. The chapter focuses on the question of the preparation for death and whether or not it is lawful to wish for death; if lawful, under what conditions can a Muslim wish for death and when must he/she not?
Ibn Rajab makes an excellent choice of Qur’anic verses, hadiths, wise quotes, and poetic verses to help the reader comprehend the gravity of death, the goal of living, and the perquisites and perils of the Afterlife. It is a chapter which realizes the Arab proverb, “The best speech is short and clear” (khayr al-kalam ma qalla wa dalla). I entitled the translation of this chapter, Tears of the Yearners for the Meeting with God (Dumu’ al-Mushtaqin ila Liqa’ Rabb al-‘Alamin) or simply Tears of the Yearners. The reason for the title is that throughout the chapter, Ibn Rajab showcases many luminaries who cried while on their deathbeds out of a yearning and readiness to meet God.

Genres: Islam

160 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2015

About the author

Imam Ibn Rajab al Hanbali (736 - 795 AH) He was the noble Imaam, the Haafidh, the Critic, Zayn-ud-Deen ‘Abdur-Rahmaan bin Ahmad bin ‘Abdir-Rahmaan bin al-Hasan bin Muhammad bin Abil-Barakaat Mas’ood As-Salaamee Al-Baghdaadee (due to his place of birth), Al-Hanbalee (due to his madh-hab), Ad-Dimashqee (due to his place of residence and death). His kunyah was Abul-Faraj, and his nickname was Ibn Rajab, which was the nickname of his grandfather who was born in that month (of Rajab).

He was born in Baghdad in 736H and was raised by a knowledgeable family, firmly rooted in knowledge, nobility and righteousness. His father played the greatest role in directing him towards the beneficial knowledge.

Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab, may Allaah have mercy on him, was deeply attached to the works of Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah, for he would issue legal rulings according to them and would constantly reference his books. This is since he served as a student under Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, the most outstanding student of Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah, may Allah have mercy on all of them. But in spite of this, he (rahimahullaah) wasn’t a blind follower or a fanatical adherent (to his teacher). Rather, he would review, authenticate, verify and follow the evidences.

Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab, may Allaah have mercy on him passed to the realm of the Akhira in Ramadaan, 795H. He died while in Damascus.

Reviews

[Nur Najah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is only one chapter from a book but it contains powerful reminder for those who want to begin/continue the path to repentance and redemption. A good starting point for those who have sinned to remind oneself of the grave consequence awaiting in the Afterlife and for the faithful ones to remain in goodness until the sermon to meet God descend upon him. It creates a longing to meet God with purity after years and years of obedience.

Syaikh Abdullah Ali has done a competent and honest work in translating the original work of Ibn Rajab to the speakers of English, trying to bring the essence of the original work in Arabic. Great selections of poetry and prophetic traditions enough to waken and shaken the hearts and minds from headlessness.

"I have fasted from the delights of this world, and the day I meet Him is the day I break my fast"

[Hamaad · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are marching towards deadlines at
every moment
Our life spans are folded up and they are
the journey of days
You depart from the world with provisions
of piety
So your life is a matter of days which are
only few
نسير إلى الأجال في كل لحظة
و أعمارنا تطوى و هن مراحل
ترحل من الدنيا بزاد من التقى
فعمرك أيام و هن قلائل