The Destitute [Kitab al-Masakin]

A Powerful Reflection on Poverty, Social Justice, and Human Dignity Through an Islamic Lens

What happens when wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few while the poor are left to suffer? The Destitute (Kitab al-Masakin) offers a profound and deeply moving exploration of poverty, inequality, and social responsibility during one of the most turbulent periods in modern Egyptian history.

Written against the backdrop of the First World War, when widespread hardship and economic exploitation devastated the lives of ordinary Egyptians, this remarkable work captures the struggles of society's most vulnerable members with compassion, insight, and moral clarity. As food shortages, poverty, and social injustice intensified, the author produced a timeless reflection on the condition of the poor and the ethical responsibilities of individuals and communities.

More than a historical account, The Destitute is a powerful reminder of Islam's emphasis on mercy, justice, compassion, and care for those in need. Readers will gain valuable insights into social ethics, human dignity, and the enduring relevance of Islamic teachings in addressing societal challenges.

This special edition features the English translation alongside the original Arabic text, making it an excellent resource for students of Arabic, Islamic studies, and readers seeking a deeper engagement with classical Islamic literature.

Why Read The Destitute (Kitab al-Masakin)?

• Explore a powerful Islamic perspective on poverty and social justice.
• Gain insights into the human impact of war, inequality, and economic hardship.
• Discover timeless lessons relevant to modern society and the Muslim lifestyle.
• Benefit from a bilingual Arabic-English edition ideal for Islamic learning.
• Deepen your understanding of compassion, charity, and social responsibility in Islam.
• Perfect for students of Islamic studies, history, and Arabic language.
• A valuable source of authentic Islamic knowledge and reflection.

An Essential Addition to Every Islamic Library

Whether you are seeking an educational Islamic book, exploring classical Islamic literature, or looking for works that inspire spiritual growth and reflection, The Destitute (Kitab al-Masakin) offers a unique and thought-provoking reading experience. Combining historical insight with enduring moral wisdom, this important work encourages readers to reflect upon faith, humanity, and their responsibilities towards others.

A meaningful gift for Muslims, students, and lovers of Islamic literature, this book remains a timeless contribution to faith and knowledge that continues to resonate with readers today.

About The Author

Mustafa Sadiq al-Rafi'i

The author Mustafa Sadiq al-Rafi'i was born in January of 1880 in Egypt to parents of Syrian descent. His father Abd al-Razzaq al-Rafi'i was a learned man and maintained a sizeable personal library that would play an important part in the development of the author as a poet-critic and respected literary figure in early twentieth-century Egypt. His family was devoted to scholarship in the classical Islamic sciences he was blessed with several generations of gifted offspring. Among all of these, however, Mustafa Sadiq would alone rise to prominence in the literary world.

About The Translator

Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo

The translator Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo is best known as a scholar of Islamic transactional law and an advisor on Shariah compliance issues to global financial institutions. He is also an experienced translator and has published several works from Arabic Farsi and Urdu into English. Thus in addition to his three-volume Compendium of Legal Opinions on the Operations of Islamic Banks in English and Arabic, he has translated many classics.

About The Publishers

White Thread Press

White Thread Press is a leading Islamic book publisher dedicated to preserving and sharing authentic Islamic knowledge based on the Qur'an and Sunnah. Known for its high-quality Islamic books and scholarly publications, White Thread Press offers a wide range of Sunni Islamic books that combine classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary relevance.

At The Islam Shop, we carefully select books from Turath Publishing to provide our customers with trusted Islamic literature, authentic Islamic books, and reliable resources for Islamic learning. Their collection includes books on Hadith, Tafsir, Aqeedah, Fiqh, Islamic history, Seerah, spirituality, and personal development, helping readers strengthen their understanding of Islam and grow in faith.

Whether you are looking for educational Islamic books, Islamic study resources, Muslim books for beginners, or advanced scholarly works, White Thread Press offers valuable guidance for students of knowledge and anyone seeking a deeper connection to their faith through authentic Islamic teachings.

Turath Publishing

Turath Publishers is a respected name in Islamic publishing, producing authentic Islamic books rooted in the Qur'an and Sunnah. Their collection combines classical scholarship with contemporary learning, offering trusted resources in Islamic studies, Hadith, Seerah, Aqeedah, and spirituality. At The Islam Shop, we carefully curate books from leading Islamic publishers to provide reliable Islamic literature for readers across the UK. Whether you are seeking Sunni Islamic books, educational resources, or inspirational guidance, explore our range of trusted Islamic books from Turath Publishers to strengthen your Islamic knowledge, faith, and lifelong journey of Islamic learning.

Additional Product Information

• Author:  Mustafa Sadiq al-Rafi'i
• Publisher: White Thread Press  / Turath Publishing
• Publication: May vary from batch
• Edition: First English Edition
• Format: Print Book
• Binding: Paperback
• Pages: 273
• Dimensions: 22.8 × 15.2 cm (8.9 × 5.9 inches)
• Language: English (with facing Arabic text / bilingual Arabic-English edition)
• Genre: Islamic Literature, Social Commentary, Islamic Ethics
• Category: H
• ISBN-13: 978-1906949228
• Translator: Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo
• Editor: N/A
• Illustrator: N/A
• Suitable Age: 16+ (Young Adult & Adult readers)
• Grade / Level: Intermediate to Advanced; suitable for students of Islamic Studies, Arabic language, history, and general readers interested in Islamic thought.
• Country of Publication: Turkey (Türkiye)

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