Silsilat Ulu al-Himma - al-Muqaddim
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- Silsilat Ulu al-Himma - al-Muqaddim
Silsilat Ulu al-Himma (Arabic: سلسلة علو الهمة, lit. 'The Lofty Ambition Series') is an Islamic lecture series and work by the Egyptian scholar and preacher Muhammad Ismail al-Muqaddim, focused on the moral, spiritual, and intellectual cultivation of high resolve (‘uluww al-himma) in Islam .
Background and Publication
The material originated as an extensive series of educational and spiritual lectures delivered by al-Muqaddim, which were recorded and distributed on audio tapes and compact discs, and later transcribed and published in book format under the title ‘Uluww al-Himma . Print editions have been published by several houses, including Dar al-Iman and Dar al-Qimmah in Alexandria (2004 CE), Maktabat al-Tawfiqiyya, and Maktabat al-Kawthar in Riyadh (1416 AH / 1996 CE) .
Contents and Themes
The series examines the definition, significance, and practical manifestations of high aspiration in Islamic history and personal development. Al-Muqaddim posits that the civilizational ascent of early Muslims was driven by combining intellectual strength (al-quwwah al-‘ilmiyyah) with active practical drive (al-quwwah al-‘amaliyyah) .
The work addresses several core areas:
- Conceptual Framing: Defining himma (inner motivation or resolve) and distinguishing genuine lofty ambition directed toward God and the Hereafter from base, purely animalistic desires (himam hayawaniyyah) or worldly pursuits devoid of righteous intent .
- Means of Cultivation: Identifying key factors that elevate resolve, including sincerity (ikhlas), truthfulness in action and intent (sidq), beneficial knowledge (‘ilm), good companionship, and turning to God to overcome lethargy (futur) and weakness .
- Historical Models: Illustrating high ambition through biographical narratives of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his Companions, the early generations (al-salaf al-salih), traditional scholars, and leaders such as Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi .
- Fields of Application: Practical expressions of resolve across worship, seeking knowledge, community service, and Islamic advocacy (da‘wah) .
Influence and Reception
The series and its print version are widely cited in contemporary Salafi and broader Islamic educational literature as a principal modern reference on personal spiritual discipline, combating religious fatigue, and instilling drive in students of Islamic knowledge . It also inspired related writings, including the extensive multi-volume work Salah al-Umma fi ‘Uluww al-Himma by Sayyid Husayn al-Affani, which was written upon al-Muqaddim's direct encouragement .
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