Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - Magdi al-Hilali

Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a (Let Us Believe for an Hour) is a spiritual and pedagogical treatise by the Egyptian author Magdi al-Hilali focused on cultivating, reviving, and sustaining faith (iman) through practical spiritual training and emulation of the Prophet's Companions Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M…+1.

Purpose and Overview

The book addresses the dominance of materialism in modern life and the necessity of instilling a conscious urge to renew and elevate faith Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M…+1. The author begins with the historical account of Umar ibn al-Khattab, who served for an entire year as judge in Medina during the caliphate of Abu Bakr without presiding over a single dispute, illustrating how deeply rooted faith eliminates interpersonal discord and rectifies society Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M…+1. The work aims to serve as a self-reflective mirror for the reader to evaluate their spiritual standing, overcome complacency, and strive toward higher stations of faith before death arrives Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M….

Structure and Contents

The book consists of an introduction, two primary chapters, and a concluding call to action Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M…+1.

Chapter One: Fruits of Faith in the Generation of the Companions

The first chapter examines why the early generation of the Prophet's Companions (Sahaba) serves as the primary model for spiritual emulation, citing Abdullah ibn Umar and Abul Hasan al-Nadwi's introduction to Hayat al-Sahaba (Lives of the Companions) Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M…+1. The author delineates ten manifestations of living faith, supporting each with biographical and historical examples Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M…:

1. Initiative and rushing toward good deeds: Illustrated by instances such as Jabir ibn Abd Allah walking on foot during military expeditions, Abu Sa'id ibn al-Mu'alla hastening to pray towards the Ka'ba upon the change of the qibla, Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf donating his entire 700-camel trade caravan for the sake of Allah, and the early Muslims' zeal in calling others to Islam Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M…+1.
2. Strengthening internal restraint Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M….
3. Asceticism and detachment from worldly allurements Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M….
4. Divine support and assistance: Examined on the individual level (such as the reports of Abu Mu'allaq and Safina) and on the communal level (including the Battle of Badr and the crossing of the Tigris during the conquest of al-Mada'in under Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas), supplemented with analysis from Sayyid Qutb on the conditions for divine victory Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M…+1.
5. Awakening latent inner strength: Exemplified by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud openly reciting Surat al-Rahman before the Quraysh, Amr ibn al-Jamu' insisting on fighting at Uhud despite severe lameness, and the blind Companion Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum carrying the banner at the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M…+1.
6. Yearning for Allah Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M….
7. Disappearance of negative social phenomena and reduction of interpersonal conflict Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M….
8. Positive influence on others Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M….
9. Capacity to make difficult decisions Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M….
10. A profound sense of inner tranquility and peace Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M….

At the conclusion of the chapter, al-Hilali recommends Muhammad Yusuf al-Kandhlawi's Hayat al-Sahaba for further reading on these spiritual qualities Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M….

Chapter Two: Stages and Objectives of Faith Cultivation

The second chapter, titled "How Is Your State with Your Lord?", outlines the spiritual stages through which a believer advances Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M…:

• Initial Awakening (Bidayat al-Yaqaza): A preliminary influx of faith's light into the heart, prompting contemplation of life and death, remorse over previous sins, and eagerness to perform obligatory and voluntary acts of worship Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M…+1. The author cautions against stagnation or self-satisfaction at this stage Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M….
• Firm Awakening (Tamakkun al-Yaqaza): A deeper establishment of awareness, marked by heightened scrupulousness (wara'), emotional balance regarding worldly gain or loss, and constant preparedness for death Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M….
• Sustained Increase and the "Second Birth": Continued spiritual replenishment leading to detachment from greed and wealth, freedom from seeking validation from people, and liberation of the heart from base desires Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M…+1.
• Continuous Heartfelt Presence (al-Hudur al-Qalbi al-Da'im): The realization of Ihsan—worshiping Allah as if seeing Him—where all actions, love, and grievances are directed solely for Allah's sake Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M…+1.

The author synthesizes these stages into three practical targets: the immediate goal of establishing a firm awakening, the intermediate goal of realizing the heart's "second birth," and the ultimate goal of maintaining constant presence with Allah Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M…+1. The book concludes with an exhortation to make an immediate, firm resolve to revive the heart without delay or surrender to satanic hesitation Hayya Bina Numin Sa'a - M….