Advice And Admonitions: Imam Ahmad: Ark Of Knowledge Publications

By Ahmad Bin Hanbal, Azhar Majothi and Arsalan Yunus

Advice and admonitions is a translation of various statements of wisdom by Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal from sources such as Manaqib al-Imam Ahmad by Imam Ibn al-Jawzi and Tabaqat al-Hanabilah by Imam Ibn Abi Ya'la. Some beneficial footnotes have also been included to further aid the reader in understanding Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal intended meaning at various points.
Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal was the most influential and active scholar of his era. His words of wisdom and attitude towards the world are truly captivating and inspiring. In this book you will find some of the insights of how Imam Ahmad b. Hanbal practiced Islam as described under various topics.
Additionally this book contains a translation of the account of the Mihnah (Inquisition) which Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal underwent from Tarikh al-Islam by Imam al-Dhahabi.
Taking lessons from the words of pious scholars who acted upon their knowledge is one of the best methods for a Muslim who is striving for self-improvement. Our Dua is that Allah, the one who turns hearts, changes our hearts towards being conscious of Him in all aspects of daily life after reading this book.
I ask Allah to make this simple endeavor a source of pleasure for us all and a source of success in the Hereafter. Amin

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ark Of Knowledge Publications
• Release date: Nov 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223581697

Book preview

advice and Admonitions:

imam Ahmad b. Hanbal

Advice And Admonitions: Imam Ahmad b. Hanbal

First Edition  

Published by Ark of Knowledge Publications, Leeds

[e-mail]

Copyright © 2023/1445, Abu Ubaydah Arsalan Yunus

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book neither the authors, translators, nor publishers shall have any liability with respect to any loss or damages caused nor do the views expressed in this book are necessarily held by the publisher directly or indirectly by the instructions or advice contained in this book.

A Translation of

Mawaʿidh al-Imam Ahmad b. Hanbal

Compiled by Salih Ahmad ash-Shami

Translated by Dr Azhar Majothi

Edited and Annotated by Abu Ubaydah Arsalan Yunus

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Contents

Publisher’s Note

Biography: Imam Ahmad b. Hanbal (164-241 A.H)

ADVICE AND ADMONITIONS

[1] As-Sunnah

[2] The Companion of Hadith

[3] Truth And Falsehood

[4] Ignorance Does Not Harm

[5] The Most Virtuous Actions

[6] Clear Disbelief

[7] Ennobling Oneself

[8] Dark Piety

[9] Fair-mindedness

[10] Taking The Means

[11] Al-Layth b. Saʿd [d. 175 A.H.]

[12] The Remembrance of Death

[13] Knowledge Takes Precedence Over Supererogatory Acts

[14] The Honour of Hearts

[15] Seeking Coarseness

[16] The Dunya And The Sultan

[17] Asceticism

[18] Maʿruf al-Karkhi

[19] At-Taghaful

[20] The Taste of Relief

[21] The Slaves (of Allah) on The Day of Judgement

[22] Take Knowledge Face-to-Face

[23] Precision in The Prophetic Hadith

[24] A Morsel (of Food) in His Brother’s Mouth

[25] Goodness

[26] The Successful Person

[27] The Supererogatory Hajj

[28] The Importance of The Rabbaniyun Scholars

[29] The Bearers (Hamalat)  of TheQurʾan

[30] The Path of Acquiring Knowledge

[31] The AsceticPossesses a Thousand Dinars

[32] The Shining Bright Light of Islam

[33] Supplication

[34] The Etiquette of Writing

[35] Consistent in What He Loves

[36] Human Dignity

[38] Honouring The Companions

[39] Islam And The Sunnah

[40] The Expiation For Breaking an Oath

[41] The Zakat of Knowledge

[42] Sit With The People

[43] Heedlessness

[44] Who Talks About al-Waraʿ?

[45] The Need For Knowledge

[46] Tawakkul

[47] The Levels of Asceticism

[48] The Completeness of a Meal

[49] Intention

[50] In What Condition Did You Awaken?

[51] Supplication

[52] There is no Taqlid in Creed

[53] The Unknown Remembrance

[54] Journeying in Pursuit of Knowledge

[55] Ask About What You Have Been Afflicted With

[56] Chivalry

[57] The Appearance of Prayer

[58] The Frontier

[59] Critiquing Reporters of Hadith

[60] He Whose Reward is Upon Allah

[61] Action For Allah?

[62] Speech Regarding Al-Waraʿ

[63] Imam ash-Shafiʿi

[64] When Greed Sets In

[65] Enjoin Taqwa in Your Heart

[66] It Would Have Depleted

[67] A Supplication For an Advisor

[68] The Lightness of The Account

[69] Adolescence

[70] Undertaking Good Initiatives (Deeds)

[71] Consuming The Lawful

[72] A Good Intention

[73] A Truthful Admonisher

[74] The Science of Kalam

[75] You Joke About The Religion!

[76] An Imam in Knowledge

[77] Knowledge Which Transpires

[78] Say: I have a Watcher Over Me

[79] But All That Remains is Sin And Disgrace

[80] Sincerity

[81] Actions Are Based on Intentions

[82] Ar-Riyaʾ

[83] Asceticism  Does Not  Improve Except With (Doing More) Asceticism

[84] Not Yet

[85] The Foundations of The Religion

Lessons in Patience And Fortitude From The Mihnah of Imam Ahmad b. Hanbal

The Mihnah During the Era of al-Maʿmun

The Mihnah During the Era of Al-Muʿtasim

The Mihnah And Subsequent Punishment

Al-Muʾtasim’s Fear For Ahmad’s Life

The Mihnah During The Era of al-Wāthiq

The Era of al-Mutawakkil

◆◆◆

Publisher's Note

I begin with every beautiful name that belongs to Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All complete praise is due to Allah alone the Rabb[1] of all that exists. May blessings and greetings be upon the best of His creation Muhammad, the last and final Messenger, and upon his family, companions and all those who follow him until the day of Judgement.

This is a comprehensive translation of some of the admonitions and words of advice by the great Imam, Ahmad b. Hanbal compiled by Shaykh Salih ash-Shami, the first of many works I hope to publish under Ark of Knowledge Publications.

Some beneficial footnotes have been added by the translator and marked [TN]; I have added a short biography of the Imam and further points of benefit which are marked [EN] to aid the reader in understanding the Imam’s intended meaning at various points.

Although every effort has been made to ensure this modern translation is as accurate as possible, if there are any obvious errors in it, then I would be deeply grateful to its readers to provide feedback and guidance.

I hope that this book benefits others. If so, then it is only a blessing from Allah, and then the product of guidance from my teachers and encouragement of sincere friends. I also hope that with works like this, I can make a modest