al-Ikhwan li-Ibn Abi al-Dunya
- Author died
- 281 AH
- Editions
- Dār al-Kutub al-‘Ilmīyah
al-Ikhwan (Kitab al-Ikhwan, "The Book of Brothers") is a classical treatise on the virtues, etiquettes, and spiritual obligations of friendship and brotherhood in Islam, compiled by the Baghdad-based scholar and ascetic Ibn Abi al-Dunya (208–281 AH / 823–894 CE) .
Subject and Content
The work compiles prophetic traditions (hadiths), narrations from early Muslims (athar), and moral aphorisms documented with their chains of transmission (isnads) . Its subject matter centers on the spiritual merit and social practice of establishing brotherhood solely for the sake of God (al-ikhwah fi Allah). The topics addressed in its narrations include:
- The Virtues of Loving for God's Sake: Narrations extolling the exalted rank promised to believers who love one another purely for God, including reports describing them resting upon pulpits of light under the shade of the Throne on the Day of Resurrection, or dwelling in celestial chambers atop pillars of ruby .
- Cultivating and Selecting Companions: Traditions urging believers to seek out righteous and pious companions, to be supported by one's brethren in faith, and outlining the benefits of righteous companionship in assisting one toward remembrance of God .
- Mutual Rights and Etiquettes of Friendship: Practical guidelines of fraternity, such as actively informing a brother of one's love for him to foster enduring affection, feeding and favoring pious companions, and traveling long distances to visit brethren and reconcile differences .
Transmission and Reception
The text was transmitted from Ibn Abi al-Dunya by his student Abu 'Ali al-Husayn ibn Safwan al-Bardha'i, whose transmission line subsequently passed through Abu 'Abdullah Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Yusuf al-'Allaf .
Kitab al-Ikhwan has been extensively cited as a source for ethical and hadith traditions by classical and later scholars, including al-Quda'i, Abu Nu'aym al-Isbahani, al-Bayhaqi, Ibn Hajar al-'Asqalani, Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti, and Muhammad ibn Isma'il al-San'ani .
Answer updated