Mafhum al-Hikma fi al-Dawa ila Allah Taala fi Daw al-Kitab wa al-Sunna
- Author died
- 1440 AH
- Editions
- Maṭba'at Safīr
Mafhum al-Hikma fi al-Dawa ila Allah Taala fi Daw al-Kitab wa al-Sunna (The Concept of Wisdom in Calling to God in Light of the Book and the Sunnah) is a concise treatise on Islamic propagation (dawah) authored by the Saudi scholar Saeed bin Ali bin Wahf al-Qahtani (d. 1440 AH / 2018 CE). The work examines the definition, guidelines, types, pillars, degrees, and acquisition of wisdom (al-hikma) in calling people to Islam according to the Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah.
Composition and Publication
The author completed the treatise on Thursday morning, 25 Safar 1425 AH (April 15, 2004 CE). Its first edition appeared in Riyadh in 1425 AH (2004 CE).
Structure and Content
The book is structured into a preamble and four main chapters (mabahith), each divided into subsections (matalib):
- Preamble (al-Tamhid): The Importance of Wisdom in Calling to God – Addresses the misconception that wisdom is confined strictly to softness, gentleness, and forbearance. The author clarifies that wisdom is multifaceted and applied according to the condition of the recipient: it entails gentleness and clarity of truth for receptive individuals; good admonition combining encouragement and warning for those impeded by heedlessness or desires; courteous debate using rational and textual proofs for stubborn deniers; and firmness or lawful authority when dealing with obstinate transgressors.
- Chapter One (al-Mabhath al-Awwal): The Concept of Wisdom Linguistically and in Islamic Law – Details the linguistic origins of the term, noting its association with justice, knowledge, precision, and restraint (al-man'), as wisdom restrains its bearer from foolishness and base conduct. It surveys classical theological and exegetical definitions of wisdom in Islamic texts and synthesizes them into a comprehensive definition: "hitting the mark in words and deeds, and placing everything in its proper place" («الإصابة في الأقوال والأفعال، ووضع كل شيء في موضعه»). It also discusses the mentions of wisdom in the Quran, whether appearing independently or coupled with the Scripture.
- Chapter Two (al-Mabhath al-Thani): The Types of Wisdom – Classifies the different categories and expressions of wisdom.
- Chapter Three (al-Mabhath al-Thalith): The Pillars of Wisdom – Outlines the foundational elements upon which wisdom rests.
- Chapter Four (al-Mabhath al-Rabi'): Methods of Acquiring Wisdom – Explores the means, habits, and knowledge through which an Islamic caller can cultivate and attain wisdom.
Answer updated