Knowledge and Wisdom

by الحبيب عبد الله بن علوي الحداد الحضرمي الشافعي, Mostafa al-Badawi (Translator), ʻAbd Allāh ibn ʻAlawī al-Ḥaddād

This volume contains 40 short essays that revolve around or touch upon the topic of the Hereafter, the ultimate destination of all people. With these essays, Imām al-Haddād offers pinpoint reminders about what the spiritual aspirant needs to focus on in the moments and days of his or her brief life-all in preparation for the Last Day and the eternal abode that follows. For the last two centuries, this book has been a popular spiritual treatise of Muslims throughout the Islamic world.

"Life is short, time is precious, death near, and the distance to travel great, while the moment of standing before God to account for everything, however insignificant, is daunting and hard," writes Imam al-Ḥaddad.

“The core issue this book so movingly raises is the overriding presence that looms above all humanity, that is, the Hereafter, the ultimate and inescapable destination of all people believers and inveterate deniers alike. Imam al-Ḥaddad, a gifted scholar, and clear-sighted spiritual sage distills in 40 short essays throbbing reminders of what one must do in his or her short life to prepare for the awesome Standing for the Lord of all being. Toward this most noble of ends, Knowledge, and Wisdom imparts the kind of counsel-candid and sincere that can change a person’s life."

Author Biography: Imam Abdullah ibn Alawi al-Ḥaddad was a late 17th and early 18th century Islamic scholar and spiritual master who lived in Yemen. To this day, he has a large following of admirers and is widely known for the breadth of his knowledge and the profundity of insight. Imam al-Ḥaddad died in 1720.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Philosophy

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Brandt]

I am reading this book one short chapter at a time: a chapter daily. Reading any of the superb translations by Mostafa al-Badawi of Imam Abdallah ibn Alawi al-Haddad is like meeting a Friend of God every day. With the 40 chapters in this book, I am able to use it as a conveyance carrying me toward specific goals I want to accomplish within the same period of time. God willing. I just might read it over and over again.

[nadeem]

This might be my favorite of Imam Al-Haddad's books so far. As is usually the case with his books, the chapters are short and very very sweet. The instruction is very accessible on the level of personal reflection and implementations.
Alas it is out of print and *noone* can seem to figure out where I might find a copy. PLEASE let me know if you come across one, I'll pay almost any price.

[Hassan]

Short, easy to digest and highly recommended.

This 128 page book is a wonderful collection of short essays by the Imam al-Ḥaddad beautifully translated by Dr. Mostafa al-Badawi. Like most of the Imam's writings they are short yet full of wisdom.

"Life is short, time is precious, death near, and the distance to travel great, while the moment of standing before God to account for everything, however insignificant, is daunting and hard," writes Imam al-Ḥaddad. How to make the most out of our short stay here in this worldly domain is the main focus of the Imam's writings.

[Aleema Ali]

i loved this book so much, full of pearls of wisdom <33

[Chris]

Amazing book, especially just to read a chapter (1-2 pages) before going to sleep or with close friends to reflect on. An essential book for Muslim Americans today. It's about waking the heart up and filling it with the remembrance of God. "Verily, in the remembrance of God do hearts find rest..." [Qur'an]

[mahwish]

I will always be reading this book.