This work has taken important points and objectives from The Minhaj Al-Qasidin of Ibn Al-Jawzi which in turn is a summary of that Magnum Opus of Imam al-Ghazali The ‘Ihya Ulum Ad-Din’.
However, Ibn Al-Jawzi compiled the book free from weak or fabricated Hadith and then Ibn Qudamah summarised it further and added his invaluable comments.
The Arabic is in 1 volume, however the English translation by Dar As-Sunnah comprises of 4 separate books.
The Refinement Of Character By Imam Ibn Qudamah Al-Maqdisi
covers the ethics of eating, marriage, and companionship, earning a living, traveling, enjoying the good, and staying away from sin and evil deeds, as well the rulings on music and singing. It ends with heartfelt advice from our righteous predecessors and illustrates the beautiful character of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Anyone who adorns themself with this Islamic Character will indeed achieve nobility of the elite of Allah’s creation, which is beloved to our Creator, Allah, the Most High.
“O Muslim, adorn and beautify yourself with great morals and manners.”
Discipline: The Path To Spiritual Growth By Imam Ibn Qudamah Al-Maqdisi
discusses the marvels of the heart and curing the sickness therein, disciplining the self, and breaking the desire of the stomach and the private parts. It also covers how to deal with pride, malice, envy, and the defects of the tongue. It concludes with the harms of greed, the praise of wealth, showing off, self-delusion, and how to overcome all these diseases that harm the spirituality of any person that is seeking the Hereafter.
The Inner Secrets Of Worship By Imam Ibn Qudamah Al-Maqdisi
sets out the importance of worship and how worship has to be done with the knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah, as well as giving examples of our pious predecessors. It covers many aspects of worship, such as Knowledge, Purification, Prayer, Zakat, Fasting, Hajj, Reciting the Quran, supplications, and the excellence of the Night Prayer.
Purification Of The Soul By Imam Ibn Qudamah Al-Maqdisi
discusses how to purify the soul and remove the rust of desire and heedlessness which encapsulates the heart. He quotes from the Qur’an, Sunnah, the Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and stories from the salaf.
This set is one of the best companions for a Muslim’s journey through the World.
