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Saeed bin Wahf al-Qahtani

Nur al-Iman wa Zulumat al-Nifaq fi Daw al-Kitab wa al-Sunna

Author died
1440 AH
Editions
Matba'at Safir

Nur al-Iman wa Zulumat al-Nifaq fi Daw al-Kitab wa al-Sunna (The Light of Faith and the Darkness of Hypocrisy in the Light of the Quran and Sunnah) is a concise theological treatise by Saeed bin Ali bin Wahf al-Qahtani (d. 1440 AH / 2018 CE) addressing the definition, branches, and fruits of faith alongside the nature, categories, and perils of hypocrisy.

Composition and Context

The author completed the treatise on the afternoon of Tuesday, 16 Shawwal 1419 AH. Written as part of his broader series of educational monographs (Rasa'il Saeed bin Ali bin Wahf al-Qahtani), the work was also incorporated into his larger compilations on Islamic creed, serving as the fifth chapter of his book Nur al-Huda wa Zulumat al-Dalal fi Daw al-Kitab wa al-Sunna and as the tenth treatise in Aqidat al-Muslim fi Daw al-Kitab wa al-Sunna. The stated purpose of the work is to expound the nature of faith (iman) and provide textual guidance from the Quran and the Sunnah for nurturing belief and safeguarding against the corruptive effects of hypocrisy (nifaq).

Structure and Content

The treatise is organized into two primary chapters (mabhath), each subdivided into thematic sections (matlab):

  • The Light of Faith (Nur al-Iman):

    • The Concept of Faith: Covers the definition of faith and the traditional doctrinal position that it comprises belief in the heart, verbal confession, and physical deeds, while clarifying the technical distinction between faith (iman) and Islam (islam) when mentioned individually or paired together.
    • Means of Attaining and Increasing Faith: Identifies spiritual and practical avenues to strengthen faith, including knowing and worshipping God through His Divine Names and Attributes, pondering the verses of the Quran, studying the Sunnah and the character of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, contemplating the creation and divine blessings, engaging in frequent remembrance (dhikr) and supplication, and recognizing the virtues of Islamic teachings.
    • The Fruits and Benefits of Faith.
    • The Branches of Faith.
    • The Attributes of the Believers.

  • The Darkness of Hypocrisy (Zulumat al-Nifaq):

    • The Concept of Hypocrisy.
    • The Types of Hypocrisy.
    • The Attributes of Hypocrites.
    • The Harms and Consequences of Hypocrisy.

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