A Sufi Study of Hadith

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A Sufi Study of Hadith

A Sufi Study of Hadith (Originally titled Haqiqa al-Tariqa min as-Sunna al-Aniqa) is a unique work of commentary on a selection of over three hundred authentic hadith. Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanawi one of the subcontinent's greatest spiritual leaders and an author of unequalled prolificacy translates interprets and then comments on each hadith from the perspective of tasawwuf whether to explain a fine point of theology or to discourse on morality etiquette behaviour or the customary practices of Sufis. In the pages of this volume, one encounters a side of Islam that is little known and less understood. For all seekers of the truth and especially those keen to further their understanding of the teachings of the Prophet upon him be peace on tasawwuf-related subjects, Maulana Thanawi's work is truly invaluable.

Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo

Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanwi rahmatullahi alayh excelled in every branch of Islamic learning and was one of the Islamic world s most outstanding religious figures of recent times. Perhaps his most significant and enduring legacy is a renewed awareness understanding and acceptance of authentic tasawwuf among the masses. Indeed he is still remembered as Hakim-al-Ummah (Physician of the Ummah) due to his expertise in diagnosing spiritual ailments and dispensing the most efficacious cures.

In this book, Mawlana Thanwi discusses numerous subtle and complex themes of tasawwuf derived from the ahadith of our beloved Messenger Sallallahu Alayhi wasallam. His erudite commentary demonstrates time and again how the principles of tasawwuf have their origins in the primary sources of Islam. Mawlana Thanwi s approach like that of his illustrious mashai ikh stresses the complete harmony between Shariah and tariqah and their interrelatedness.

Alhamdulillah Mawlana Yusuf DeLorenzo s translation now gives English speaking Muslims access to this valuable work. Studying this book under the guidance of a qualified shaykh will increase the interested reader s understanding and appreciation of the treasury of hadith as well as the science of tasawwuf and prove beneficial for the traveller on the path leading to Allah. - Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah

This volume revives the tradition of the earliest Sufis who related hadiths from the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in such core works as Qushayri s Risala Makki s Qut al-Qulub and Abu Nuaym s Hilya al-Awliya. Imam Junayd has said "The spiritual path is blocked shut except to those who seek out the traces of the Chosen Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) Say This is my path I summon to Allah upon entire insight I and whoever wholeheartedly follows me [Qur an 12108].

About The Author

Hakim al-Umma Mawlana Ashraf ‘Ali Thanawi

Mawlana Ashraf ‘Ali Thanawi, referred to by many South Asian Muslims as Hakim al-Umma (“Spiritual Physician of the Muslim Umma”) and Mujaddid al-Milla (“Reformer of the Nation”), is a towering figure of Islamic revival and reawakening of South Asia in the twentieth century. Mawlana Thanawi was the “most eminent religious figure of his time, a prolific author, and believed to be the greatest Sufi of modern India.”

“He led a very active life, teaching, preaching, writing, lecturing, and making occasional journeys” (Naeem 94). The distinguishing mark and guiding principle that led to the vast success of his message was a remarkable sense of balance and straightforwardness in his speeches and writings. Mawlana Thanawi was an exemplar of the Qur’anic verse “And thus have We made you a nation justly balanced, that you might be witnesses over mankind” (Qur’an 2:143). An astounding, comprehensive knowledge of all branches of Islamic learning was evident in his personality, explicated in his lectures, and recorded in his writings. The Indian jurist Qadi Mujahid al-Islam Qasimi said, “It is hard to think of an area of Islamic sciences left unattended by his writings” (Zayd 11).

His religious approach encompasses all aspects of the subject under discussion, and his viewpoints on different issues reflect a genuine, thorough examination of traditional Islamic thought. His acute intelligence, revolutionary method of training and teaching, love of Allah and His Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace), organized management of time, broadmindedness, tolerance, and unique and fresh, yet conservative, understanding of religious disciplines has etched him a permanent place in Islamic history.

He will be remembered as a reformer of the masses, an exemplary spiritual guide (shaykh), a prolific author, a spiritual jurist, an intellectual sage, and a fortifier of Islamic tradition who, at a time when Muslims were physically and intellectually attacked by Western colonial powers, supplied them with literary and academic firepower in the form of his speeches, writings, legal verdicts (fatawa), and spiritual training (tarbiya) to battle all irreligious influences of the Modern Age. Describing the great religious services and endeavours of Mawlana Thanawi, Mufti Muhammad Taqi ‘Uthmani writes, “The likeness of his accomplishments is not found in many preceding centuries” (Hakim al-Ummat ke siyasi afkar 22).