al-Asbab al-Mufida fi Iktisab al-Akhlaq al-Hamida
- Author died
- -
- Editions
- Dār Ibn Khuzaymah
al-Asbāb al-Mufīdah fī Iktisāb al-Akhlāq al-Ḥamīdah (Useful Means for Acquiring Praiseworthy Character) is a treatise on Islamic ethics by Muhammad bin Ibrahim al-Hamad, focusing on the practical and spiritual means of cultivating virtuous character .
Background and Composition
The text originated as a specific chapter within al-Hamad's larger work titled Sūʾ al-Khuluq: Maẓāhiruh – Asbābuh – ʿIlājuh (Bad Character: Its Manifestations, Causes, and Remedy), an 183-page book in large format . Because of the size of the original book, the author chose to extract the section detailing the causes and methods of attaining good character and issue it as an independent booklet (kutayyib) to facilitate its circulation, reading, and distribution . The author completed this edition in al-Zulfi on 4 Muharram 1418 AH .
Contents and Method
In adapting the chapter into a standalone booklet, al-Hamad omitted most of the footnotes, retaining only what was necessary, and directed readers seeking detailed citations and expansions to refer back to the parent volume .
The booklet addresses the challenge of reforming human disposition, arguing that although altering deeply ingrained traits is difficult, it is neither impossible nor unattainable . The author details numerous means and actions that aid in developing noble traits, including:
- Sound Creed (salāmat al-ʿaqīdah): Establishing correct belief as the foundational driver of behavioral integrity, truthfulness, forbearance, and courage .
- Acts of Worship: Maintaining regular prayer (ṣalāh) to deter improper conduct, fasting (ṣiyām) to train self-restraint and elevate resolve, and reading the Qur'an with reflection .
- Spiritual and Psychological Discipline: Anticipating divine reward (iḥtisāb al-ajr) to endure difficulties from others, and controlling anger to avoid regret and vindictiveness .
- Literary Reflection: Drawing upon Arabic proverbs and adab literature, referencing collections such as Abu ʿUbayd's Kitāb al-Amthāl, al-Maydānī's Majmaʿ al-Amthāl, and al-Zamakhsharī's al-Mustaqṣā fī Amthāl al-ʿArab .
Answer updated