Tanbih al-Mumin al-Awwah bi-Fadail La Ilaha illa Allah
- Author died
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- Editions
- Dar Tawq al-Najah
Tanbih al-Mu'min al-Awwah bi-Fada'il La Ilaha illa Allah (The Admonition of the Devoted Believer on the Virtues of "There is No God but Allah") is a devotional and theological treatise by Ahmad ibn Yusuf al-Ahdal focusing on the virtues, meanings, and spiritual fruits of the Islamic testimony of faith (Tawhid) and the invocation of blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Purpose and Scope
Al-Ahdal compiled the treatise to collect the scriptural texts and traditions regarding the declaration of La ilaha illa Allah, intending it as an accessible, concise work of broad benefit: to teach the unlearned, alert the heedless, and remind the discerning. The theological premise of the book emphasizes that servitude to God alone forms the first half of Islamic creed represented by La ilaha illa Allah, while receiving guidance through the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ forms the second half, represented by Muhammadun Rasulullah. Together, the two testimonies serve as the gate of entry into Islam and the foundation for all pillars, beliefs, acts of worship, and legal rulings.
Structure and Contents
The author arranged the book into thirteen principal thematic sections followed by a conclusion:
- Tawhid as the Greatest Blessing: Explaining the primacy of divine oneness over all other bounties.
- Glad Tidings of Salvation: Hadiths promising safety from Hellfire and the attainment of Paradise for the people of Tawhid.
- Clarification of Apparent Ambiguities: Resolving potential misunderstandings surrounding hadiths concerning salvation and faith.
- The Reality of Loving God: Defining genuine divine love.
- The Fruits of Love: Outlining the spiritual and practical results of loving God.
- Remembrance and Forgiveness: Highlighting that constant repetition of La ilaha illa Allah produces obedience and brings divine forgiveness.
- Virtues of the Formula: Divided into two parts: Quranic verses affirming its excellence, and prophetic traditions on its virtues, concluding with an abridgment of its benefits.
- Prescribed Times and Occasions: Detailing the circumstances and moments in which repeating La ilaha illa Allah is specifically recommended.
- Connection between the Two Testimonies: Linking La ilaha illa Allah with Muhammadun Rasulullah, the relationship between remembering the Prophet and sending blessings upon him, and the meaning of salat upon him.
- The Meaning of Sending Blessings: Elucidating the intent behind invoking blessings on the Prophet ﷺ.
- Occasions for Invocations: Identifying the moments and stations where invoking blessings is prescribed.
- Virtues of Invoking Blessings: Presenting texts on the merits of salat upon the Prophet ﷺ.
- Fruits and Benefits of Invoking Blessings: Enumerating the spiritual and afterlife rewards gained through it.
Reception and Publication
The work received commendations (taqariz) and forewords from several scholars, including Hashim Muhammad Ali Mahdi, who provided an introductory presentation and review of the text; Ahmad Abd al-Aziz al-Haddad, who contributed commendatory verses of poetry; Hasan Muhammad al-Ahdal, former vice president of Sana'a University; and Shaykh Majid, director of Madrasah al-Sawlatiyyah.
The text was published in a single volume by Dar Tawq al-Najat in 1427 AH / 2006 CE.
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