Masalik-al-Jinân (Ways unto Paradise)
by Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba
(to english by Serigne Sam Mbaye)
download full version pdf at: http://www.kinti.se/mamediarra/downloads/files/masalik_en_a5_aminta.pdf
more info: http://www.serignesam.com, http://www.majalis.org
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Part 1: Muqadimat
Verses 1-223
Chapters 1-5
1 - FOREWORD (verses 1-79)
2 - (1) SOME USEFUL ADVICE (verses 80-151)
3 - (2) TRUE KNOWLEDGE (verses 152-183)
4 - (3) PIECES OF WISDOM (verses 184-191)
5 - (4) SOME USEFUL DEVOTIONS (verses 192-223)
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Part 1 • Muqadimat
Chapter 1 • 79 verses
1 - FOREWORD
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST GRACIOUS, MOST
MERCIFUL May ALLAH bestow His Peace and His Blessings
upon our Master Muhammad... "Whoever expects to meet his
LORD, let him work righteousness and, in the worship of his
LORD, admit no partner" (Qur’ân xviii. 110)
ALLAH is my LORD and I assign Him no partner... There is no
Power, no Means but in Him.
O my LORD! Rank us amongst those who really fear Thee,
those whose deeds Thou acceptest... Never rank us among
"those whose efforts have been wasted in this life,while they
thought that they were acquiring good by their works"(Qur’ân
xviii. 104).
And deprive not us of the reward of this versified work orthat of
any other deed, by the name of our Noble Master Muhammad -
may he be granted Peace and Blessings...
1- The [servant] named Ahmad Al-Mbackiyu, disciple of his
own father - may ALLAH, the ETERNAL ABSOLUTE, let him
enter the loftiest Paradise
2- ...In the company of any sincere Muslim and all who profess
that worship must exclusively be devoted to the Only GOD -
Amen...
3- That one says this: ?Praise be to ALLAH Who requires from
us genuine actions and the observance of the rules of pious
Propriety (Adab) ,
4- That Who considers through us the heart and spiritual
qualities but not mere appearances?
5- Then be Peace and Blessings upon who that shall intercede
for us Tomorrow [in the Hereafter],
6- Who that is adorned with the virtues of rectitude and that is
free from any peril-leading vice:
7- ...[The Prophet] Muhammad, who that relieves us of pain...
[May, likewise, such Peace and Blessings be bestowed] upon
his Family, his Companions and all the Muslim Community
8- And may that so be as long as any that strives hard against
Satan, his basic drives and his lust shall gain at length [right to
dwell aye in] Heaven...
9- And as long as whosoever endeavours to cleanse his soul of
any vice shall gain Light and achieve ALLAH'sSatisfaction...
10- And as long as any that devotes not himself to theaffairs of
this present life shall get closer to ALLAH, the OnlyTruth...
11- Thereupon, do know that Science of ALLAH's Unity (At-
Tawhid) may be divided into two sorts; thence does it exist two
kinds of Tawhid
12- The first one is just verbal, consisting in a profession of
faith whereas the second one consists in knowledge [of
ALLAH's Attributes] and in deep understanding - question not
my larification...
13- The first sort is quite widespread whilst the second one is
reserved [to just few people]
14- As regards that which is widespread we have already
consecrated thereto a previous work put into verse
15- [Taking up in fact] a former book written in prose by As-
Sanusi, the great-grand-son of the Messenger of our LORD,
the HOLY ONE
16- May ALLAH be Satisfied with him [As-Sanusi] and impart to
[the Prophet] Peace and Blessings equivalent with the number
of existing creatures...-
17- As regarding that which is reserved [to the Elite], we are
going to devote this present versified work thereto
18- [Do realise, nonetheless, that] the Virtuous [Masters] have
already written thereof books of merit which are all endowed
with secrets [of benefit]
19- Such as our Sheikh, the Regenerator [of Islam], the Great
Imam Al-Ghazâli , as the Eminent Ibn 'Ata Lâh
20- Such as our Master Sidi Mukhtãr, related to the Kuntiyu
family, who that is endowed with Pure Lights, the Ghawth of the
creatures, the Eminent Qutb,
21- Such as our Sheikh named Muhammad [Kuntiyu], the
Caliph leant on the Truth coming from the LORD of the
creatures
22- Such as our Sheikh Muhammad, related to the Deymani
tribe, the great commentator of the Qur-ãn
23- And others amongst the honourable Masters- may ALLAH
gather us with them on the Resurrection Day...-
24- Nevertheless their works, due in part to their voluminous
sizes, have been deserted by most of the people of this
generation...
25- As for me, I have chosen, relying only on the Assistance of
the SUPREME HELPER, to put in verse Al-Yadãli's prose book
[The Seal of Mysticism]
26- For that book embodies, verily, the Seal of Mysticism
inasmuch as it gathers everything that has been written by the
Virtuous Ancients thereon...
27- I composed thereof a work that contains remedy for any
such whose heart has been dulled by earthly lusts [which have
thus made it ill]
28- ...And verses that enable to improve the spiritual state of
any novice or even experienced person [in mysticism] if not,
naturally, filled with jealousy...
29- For an envious person shall never profit from the
advantages imparted to his contemporary and never shall he
follow him
30- And nothing would ever rejoice him but learning that one's
demise without delay!
31- May ALLAH protect us from a jealous and from any evil
caused by an enemy filled with hatred or by a denier...
32- I have enlivened in this book the lights of knowledge people
have rendered dead letter in their errant ignorance
33- Hoping to be granted as a reward, for my brother Al-Yadãli
and I, lofty degrees in Paradise
34- I, therewith, do solicit prayers from all who will cast their
eyes over [our book], or that will leaf through it andmostly from
any who will read it [entirely]
35- May any that will cast a glance over it intend for us the
Most Excellent Prayers ever been meant for a servant
36- For prayers are, of a certain, beneficial as well to the dead
in the grave as to the living and [there is no doubt about their]
entailing Reward...
37- I entitle this book : "THE WAYS UNTO HEAVEN through
the versification of Al-Deymani's prose work "
38- For I have put here in verse everything that one has made
mention of in his book called Khãtimatu-t-Tasawwuf (The Seal
of Mysticism)
39- And I have drawn afterwards, from another book of
mysticism entitled A-Dhahabu-l-Ibriz (The Pure Gold), further
useful complements liable to enhance the merit of [The Seal of
Mysticism]
40- I have also happened to add other developments quoted
from other books different from both of these so as to
supplement their contents
41- Such as Ihyã Ulumi-d-Din (The Re-enlivening of
Theological Sciences) [of the Imam Al-Ghazãli] and Junatu-l-
Murid (The Shield of
the GOD-seeker) of our eminent Master [Sidi Mukhtãr Kuntiyu]
42- Therein whenever I shall happen to write "he said "with no
further particulars do infer that I am quoting Al-Ghazãli, the
famous [Master]
43- But as regarding [quotations from] any other author
amongst these Noble Sheikhs, I shall mention explicitly his
name
44- And whenever thou see the phrase "I say" do know that it
would be an inference I have drawn from their texts
45- Thence everything that is in this book is authentic; so have
faith in it and do follow its recommendations
46- May not my low renown in this generation divert thee from
giving credit to this pious deed!
47- And never be, likewise, dissuaded from holding it in due
regard by my belonging to the black race...
48- For [as quoted from the Book] the most esteemed human
being before ALLAH is, without any possible doubt, who that
fears HIM the most
49- Thence black skin never implies insanity or ill
understanding...
50- O thou that art shrewd! Never desert my verses on the
[alleged] pretence that I myself do not apply their contents...
51- And do not grant the Ancients the exclusive prerogative of
the Favours bestowed by ALLAH - wouldst thou then be led
astray...
52- For it sometimes happens that a man living in modern
times know secrets which were ignored by men living in ancient
times...
53- Drizzle may well precede pouring rain, however superiority
is imparted to pouring rain, nay to drizzle"...
54- Do call to thy remembrance, thou that art scorning my
work, this Prophetic maxim (hadith): "My community is like a
rain, [no one knoweth which part thereof is the best; the first
part or the last part...]?
55- I have composed these verses in the sole order to serve
my Muslim Brethren, hoping to obtain thereby the Satisfaction
of the MOST GRACIOUS
56- And it is solely from ALLAH, my LORD -HE is verily the
MOST BOUNTIFUL! - we do solicit for acceptance of our pious
deeds and from Whom we do seek the favour to attain our aim
57- I do also beseech HIM to grant His Oft-forgiveness, His
Compassion and His Mercy to the entire Muslim Community, in
life here below as in the Hereafter
58- I do hope that HE - HE is verily the MAJESTIC LORD Who
holds grace for His devotees! - will lead, through this work, unto
guidance [any who reads it]
59- And from HIM solely I also expect the favour of rendering
these verses as a shield from Blame for their readers
60- And that this book may entail for us, once in the grave,
Salvation from its trials and from the Panic of the Great
Gathering Day
61- And that it bring unto us, by Heavenly Mercy, the two Lights
of the two Houses
62- May likewise the MOST HIGH enhance, through its
recommendations, our uprightness, our esoteric knowledge
and our benefits...
63- And that is solely with HIM I do seek safeguard from
shortcomings and from Blame
64- And from HIM do I, too, hope the Fortitude to always acting
conformity with the Tradition (Sunnah) of the Elected
Messenger, the Best in adoring the LORD
65- May ALLAH impart Him Peace and Blessings as well as his
Family, his Companions and all that have followed his
footpath...
66- We seek refuge in ALLAH - in the name of [Muhammad],
the Head of the Prophets - from the mischief of Satan, the
Head of the damned
67- We seek His Safeguard from any other rebelling creature
and from the "mischief of the envious as he practisesenvy"
(Qur-ãn cxiii. 5)
68- We ask for His Protection from any sort of evil stemming
from man's eye or man's tongue or from any creature liable to
cause harm
69- That is from Him, the MAJESTIC LORD, Who That grants
complete Satisfaction to any who makes longingly his way
towards Him
70- ...I do, furthermore, solicit Salvation for any such that will
read our book or that will meditate on its content
71- ...And for any that will acquire it, either in possession or
through renting, and for any that will write it out or that will
borrow it
72- [I beseech my LORD for this] in the name of our Beloved
Prophet Ahmad, the Accredited Intercessor - may Peace and
Blessings be ensured, for aye, to him
73- ...As to his Family, his Companions and all that will follow in
his footsteps until the Day of Trials...
74- - This work is made up with three main chapters preceded
by a preamble; they have, nonetheless, to be considered
altogether [as forming a whole]
75- The first chapter is devoted to the creatures and their
respective relations with [ALLAH], enumerated and thoroughly
examined [by the Masters]
76- The next one goes into human vices, those which are
discernible or hidden, wherever they may be found
77- The third chapter deals with the rules of Pious Propriety
(Adab) and some beneficial practices of worship; mind to tell
them apart so as to draw profit therefrom...
78- Now that is time to enter the heart of the matter and, for
such a purpose, ALLAH's Assistance do we beseech...
79- So - after having first said the Basmalah , rendered thanks
to ALLAH, asked for Blessings upon the Prophet and testified
that "There is no Power, no Means but in ALLAH" -do we say
this...
Masalik-al-Jinan (The Ways of Paradise)
Part 1 • Muqadimat
Chapter 2 • 72 verses
2 – SOME USEFUL ADVICE
80- According to the Masters, religious knowledge is divided
into two sorts:
Exoteric knowledge ('Ilm Zãhir)
Esoteric knowledge ('Ilm Bãtin)
81- The exoteric one is in charge of improving man's action
while the esoteric one deals with his spiritual moods
82- The first one is known under the name of Fiqh [Islamic Law]
whilst the second one is called Tasawwuf [Mysticism]
83- It behoves to any believer to try to comply first with the
Rules of Fiqh prior to practising Tasawwuf
84- Thence whosoever disregards the Legal Rules of Worship
(Fiqh) [and undertakes the practising of Tasawwuf ] shall perish
in this world by the sentence of the Doctors of the Law ...
85- Any such that neglects the mystical and inner aspects of
religion (Tasawwuf) shall perish in the Next World by the Will of
the MAJESTIC LORD...
86- So is it considered as compulsory for any servant to
combine respect for the established Rules of Worship [Fiqh]
with concern for mystical aspects [Tasawwuf] so as to obtain
reward...
87- Know thou that who that conforms to the apparent modes
of worship whilst giving no credit to inwardly considerations is
assuredly a thorough rascal!
88- As for who that does quite the reverse [focusing on
Mysticism so as to deny any importance to the rules of
worship], his case is ranked among the heretics'
89- But as regards who that succeeds in combining both of
them [Fiqh and Tasawwuf], that is a fine model [of balance]
thou hast to pattern thyself upon
90- This award has been passed by the Imam Mãlik - may
[ALLAH], the ABSOLUTE SOVEREIGN (Al-Mãlik) impart him
Mercy and be Satisfied with him...
91- Do know that knowledge and action constitute both the way
unto Bliss, yea!
92- So devote resolutely thyself to both of them, do cleanse
thyself of any failing and remain in absolute purity (Ikhlãs)
93- Endeavour to always conforming to [seeking for godly
knowledge and to putting it into practice], in sincerity and pureheartedness
- so shalt thou gain fine qualities
94- ...And shalt be ranked amongst those who follow the
Tradition of the Chosen [Prophet] - be upon him Peace and
Blessings from [ALLAH], the MAKER of the earth and the
heavens
95- ...As upon his Family, his Companions and all that are
following in their footsteps and are taking them as models...
96- Be thou steadfast in always fulfilling the hard actions
relating to [knowledge and its putting into practice] and do flee
from laziness!
97- Behave as thou wouldst do if thou knew that thy death was
impending - as recommended [by the Holy Prophet]
98- If, in accomplishing such two principles, thou bear patiently
the hardships befalling on thee during the short stay thou wilt
spend on earth
99- ...Shalt thou, o my Dear Fellow!, obtain Salvation and dwell
for aye in the Garden of Delight
100- Know however that far-reaching knowledge and many
actions of worship while one is full of shortcomings [constitute
an delusion]; however giving up both of them
101- ...Lest one should have one's effort besmirched by
[unavoidable] failings, or their [absented-mindly] fulfilment
without any true reverence in the heart, are among the most
dangerous illusions...
102- As for delaying one's repentance, lest one should relapse
into similar offences [against ALLAH], that is naught but a
Snare of Satan, the Rebel
103- Do know, o my Brother!, that knowledge is superior to
action, being its principle and root - bliss to whom is endued
with it!
104- Nevertheless, knowledge could not bear fruit and bring
profit without its subsequent putting into practice; so try to
combine both of them...
105- Few actions based on definite knowledge will, of a surety,
entail more Reward than a host of actions performed with
ignorance
106- Useful knowledge - discern thou it - is only that which has
been learnt and taught for the Sole Countenance of the
MAJESTIC LORD, the ONE
107- But not that which has been learnt for debates, making
parade and searching for glamour - know thou this!
108- Nor that which has been acquired for worldly purposes as
the liking for authority and high responsibilities
109- Nor that which has been got in order to fill people's hearts
with admiration -think thou about...
110- Whosoever makes a great effort to acquire knowledge for
just such kinds of purposes
111- ...And who repents not thereof before his death or his old
age, and who tries not hard to make up for his errors of youth,
112- ...That one shall get, on the Day of Questioning and
Reckoning, naught but Misfortune, Blame and Chastisement!
113- For his vast knowledge will become an argument against
him on that Day; one has verily to fear such an argument...
114- Useful knowledge is that which fills its bearer with Fear
(Taqwã) of ALLAH, the CREATOR of the servants
115- That which inspires humility, asceticism, Pious Propriety
(Adab), self-effacement and the awareness of one's weakness
[before ALLAH]
116- That which purifies the heart, helps in mastering one's lust
and prevents man from transgressing the Orders of the
MAKER
117- As for such knowledge that has not such virtues, it can
save no one from our LORD's Hell, yea!
118- Best knowledge is indisputably that which treats of
Theology and ALLAH's Unity ('Ilm Tawhid)
119- Come afterwards the Exegesis of the Qur-ãn (Tafsiru-l-
Qur-ãn) and the Science of Prophetic Tradition (Hadith) - as
conveyed by Al-Daymãni
120- After these three [main disciplines] come Islamic Law
(Fiqh)
121- ...And literary sciences serving as tools for these chief
disciplines
122- Such as grammar, prosody, rhetoric, Arabic and the like...
123- The best deed one may performed is assuredly that which
is liable to entail the most widely spread profit [to society] like
knowledge
124- ...Which helps in removing ignorance and in keeping men
far off mischief and which, moreover, is beneficial to any
upright person
125- Or any action that helps to purify the heart, as trifling as it
may appear, provided it is regularly and firmly accomplished -
so put it the Wise
126- Or any act which is hard-doing for the Soul - as spending
money [in ALLAH's Cause] for any miserly person
127- As fasting for the greedy one or discretion and
concealment of one's good deeds for any who is eager for
celebrity and praises...
128- The worst transgression is, most certainly, that which
hardens the heart and makes it forget ALLAH's worship
129- The best Dhikr [ALLAH's Remembrance] a servant can
perform is reading meditatively and thoroughly ALLAH's Holy
Book [the Qur-ãn]
130- A single verse read with thoughtfulness is indeed more
beneficial than the heedless reading of the entire Book
131- And little does it matter that [such a reflective reading] is
made during a prayer or with the Text before one's eyes, were
it in a low or in a loud voice - [this last mode being however
preferred] if one feels safe from ostentation ...
132- Performance of Nawãfil (voluntary prayers) indoors is also
credited with well-renowned advantages, mostly those
accomplished in the night, particularly during its last part
133- [O my Brother! know that] the greatest wish of the dead is
coming back to life
134- ...So as to spend on earth were it only the slightest lapse
of time and to perform a single good deed liable to entail some
benefit for them once back to the Hereafter ...
135- Do thence make the most of the rest of thy life, regretting
past times [misused in trivialities] without adoring ALLAH, and
race thou towards good deeds before it become too late!
136- Forget not to improve thy inmost heart [in keeping a
watchful eye on thy defects]
137- Strive thou, o Dear Brother!, in always mastering thy
senses and be among "those who take care of their breath"...
138- For any time [as brief as] a human breath will be worth a
precious jewel
139- ...With which one would be able to buy a Wondrous and
Eternal Treasure [on the Last Day] - wake thou up!
140- Losing such a time without adoring [ALLAH] shall entail
great loss on the Last Hour
141- But if ever thou spend it in transgressing [the Heavenly
Commandments], that is an irretrievable disaster - do know it
142- So devote thyself in enlivening thy lifetime with due
fulfilment of Canonical Obligations (Farãid) out of any
heedlessness
143- Accomplishment of voluntary deeds (Nawãfil)
Regular fasting
Wird daily practice
Remembrance and utterance of ALLAH's Holy Names (Dhikr)
Meditation on ALLAH's Signs (Fikr)
144- Spending in alms and in aid for the needy, just for the
Satisfaction of [ALLAH], the SUPREME PROTECTOR...
145- Always perform good deeds], especially on the Favourite
Days , in favour of thy kin and for the Men of Merit
146- Persevere in always acting with good intentions and never
be weary thereof...
147- Is likewise [held as valuable] conveying good tidings and
joy to our fellow Muslims but not bad news or evil
148- Keep for thyself "provisions" [for Future Life] in regularly
practising one of the accredited wird
149- ...Were it little, likely to be of some benefit for thee on the
Day of Distress and Sorrow
150- Do make a point of performing it in purity and in discretion,
without people knowing - so wilt thou be praised on the Day of
Rewarding
151- For most of pious deeds which are openly accomplished
will not be meritorious enough on that Day once disclosed...
Masalik-al-Jinan (The Ways of Paradise)
Part 1 • Muqadimat
Chapter 3 • 32 verses
3 – TRUE KNOWLEDGE
152- Satan, the Damned - I tell you - has deluded people; the
reason for which they continually concern themselves in only
what will bring to them adversity...
153- They cease not seeking for knowledge of things devoid of
any sort of benefit, neither in the grave nor during the Great
Gathering of the Resurrection...
154- They devote themselves to [worldly affairs] which are
unable, on the Day of Anguish and Affliction, to ward off the
Hellish Chastisement; they entirely throw themselves into
heedlessness and pleasures...
155- Is not any knowledge useful and - thence - all "learned"
persons are not comparable...
156- There are certain kinds of knowledge which harden the
heart, which entail pride and the forgetting of the LORD
157- So will be amongst "learned" persons many who will
receive as a reward Tomorrow naught but ruin and
reprimanding!
158- We may read [in this instance] in some Al-Hilãli's poem-
may ALLAH, that Who holds all Majesty, be Satisfied with him-
159- True knowledge is that which fills the heart with Fear of
ALLAH, the ALL-KNOWER; any that is not endued with such
knowledge is a blameworthy ignoramus, of a certain!
160- Will not be of any benefit - I tell you - such knowledge
which has been learnt for the sole sake of being continually
admired and praised
161- The same for that which has been acquired just for
competition and rivalry - as a Pharisee would do
162- [Useful knowledge is] neither that which has been learnt
[in order to be consecrated Mufti] so as to rush at Fatwas
(juridical opinions) and awards likely to cause harm
163- Nor that which has been searched in aiming thereby to
enslave one's brethren
164- Or knowledge with which man spends his whole time in
sport and amusement - [weigh ye up the relevance of these
remarks], o ye my Brethren!
165- Or that which fills the heart with envy, resentment,
arrogance and going astray
166- Or that which incites unto animosity, controversies and
endless verbal sparring
167- Or that which prompts unto presumptuousness, selfpraising
and aggressiveness
168- Or that which leads unto quarrelling, quick-temperance,
deceitfulness and struggling
169- Or that with which one is aiming earthly goods through
hoarding and denying [to spend on ALLAH's Cause] or that
which incites unto vain chattering...
170- Nay! Nay! But useful knowledge is that which, first, shows
to any that is endued with it his own failings
171- That which drives unto patience, generosity, kindness,
purity of worship and sense of decency
172- That which leads unto loving the Truth, spiritual retreat,
meditation, contemplation and thought
173- Such knowledge which instils fine spiritual virtues and
other discernible qualities
174- Such knowledge which inspires fear of ALLAH and which
prompts unto putting one's entire trust in HIM; that which incites
unto asceticism, unto well-founded hope and withdrawing from
society so as to devote one's time to the LORD
175- Such knowledge which leads out of excessive desires and
out of relying on the creatures [disregarding so their Very
CREATOR]
176- Such knowledge which cures from jealousy, arrogance,
going astray, hatred and self-conceit
177- And which encourages unto assisting and maintaining
good relationship with one's Muslim brethren for the Sole
Countenance of the ETERNAL-ABSOLUTE...
178- Indeed thus is the true nature of knowledge : either does it
lead unto uprightness who that is endued with it or shall it
unavoidably lead him down towards profound perdition...
179- [Al-Ghazãli] added that: "Whosoever helps who that is
seeking for knowledge, in his aim or in any of his worldly
affairs,
180- ?...Will share with him aught he might be imparted as a
reward, just the way any such that knowingly sells a sword to a
brigand should be involved in the crimes perpetrated by this
one..."
181- Knowledge does not consist in a great number of reports
and quotations, nay! but that is a Pure Light brightening with
true understanding the heart [of whom that is endued with it] ...
182- Thence do seek thereby the only Countenance of the
MAJESTIC - o thou Dear Fellow! - thus permanent delights
shalt thou be granted...
183- Indeed any who fears not the LORD of the Worlds is far
from being "learned"; had he mastered all the branches of
knowledge!
Masalik-al-Jinan (The Ways of Paradise)
Part 1 • Muqadimat
Chapter 4 • 8 verses
4 – PIECES OF WISDOM
184- If thou ever persist in using the Sustenance provided by
ALLAH while permanently disobeying HIM
185- ...And never repent thereof [and seek steadfastly for His
Forgiveness], shalt thou, of a surety, be thrown into Hell...
186- Thence never, in thy life, [commit the offence] to always
using the spiritual and material means of subsistence granted
by ALLAH while adoring something else
187- Do multiply instead thy good deeds for the only Sake of
ALLAH, the ONE, [with a determination] equivalent to thy very
need of His Assistance...
188- And act thou for this present world just according to the
[short] stay thou wilst dwell therein - o thou that art clearminded!
189- And act thou for the Future World according to the
[eternal] sojourn thou wilst abide therein; whosoever distorts
this principle is, of a surety, done for...
190- Do act with a view to ALLAH's Hell [in resisting
temptations] with a patience and a resistance as great as it
would be weak in withstanding its dreadful heat once thrown
therein ...
191- If thou fear duly thy LORD, the ONE, will fear thee any
other creature, just owing to such GOD-fearingness...
---
Masalik-al-Jinan (The Ways of Paradise)
Part 1 • Muqadimat
Chapter 5 • 32 verses
5 – SOME USEFUL DEVOTIONS
192- Nãfila A: performing a supererogatory prayer of 2 or 6
rak'a , shortly after the canonical sunset prayer (Maghrib),is
strongly recommended by the Best of the Prophets - May
ALLAH Bless Him
193- Are also prescribed:
Nãfila B: 4 rak'a before the soon afternoon prayer (Zuhr) and 4
other rak'a after it
Nãfila C: 4 rak'a before the late afternoon prayer ('Asr) but not
after it
194- Nãfila D: the 2 rak'a called Tahiyyatu-l-Masjid (Salutations
to the mosque, performed by who that enters the sanctuary)
195- Nãfila E: just as the supererogatory rak'a after the Night
prayer ('Ishã) called Witr, which is commonly held as the most
emphasised traditional practise
196- Nãfila F: the 2 rak'a of Fajr (preceding the morningprayer)
are also highly valued [an evidence thereof is] their being the
only optional prayers liable to be made up for [after their
appointed time], according to what is reported
197- Indeed Fajr prayer can be made up for within the
complete faint of dawn light and noon - as stated by Khalil, who
that is endowed with favours
198- And whosoever recites successively during these two
rak'a the two Surã Inshirãh and Al kãfiruna will be safeguarded
[all that day long] against any enemy that would try to harm him
199- Nãfila G: praying 2 or 6 or 8 rak'a after sunrise (Duhã) is
also highly regarded
200- Nãfila A: Any that performs 2 rak'a shortly after the
canonical sunset prayer (Maghrib), his act will be ranked
amongst the deeds of the Elected Ones
201- Any who fulfils, on that time, 6 rak'a without interrupting
them with aught that is not proper
202- ...Will be imparted as a reward the equivalent of twelve
years of worship which are all accepted by ALLAH
203- Nãfila B: Whosoever performs 4 rak'a before the soon
afternoon prayer (Zuhr) and 4 other ones thereafter
204- ...His body will be preserved from Hell tomorrow and he
will be rapidly ushered in Paradise
205- Nãfila C: If thou art in the habit of doing 4 rak'a before the
late afternoon prayer ('Asr) Who That holds Whole MAJESTY
will impart thee mercy - be then amongst those who follow
[ALLAH's Path]...
206- Nãfila F: All who observe regularly the sunrise prayer
(Duhã) will be under the Protection of the SUPREME RULER
Who will, furthermore, improve his lot
207- Because that prayer will appear on the Resurrection Day
and will say: "O LORD ! Do grant Salvation to this one
208- ...For he always abode by my observance during his
lifetime, so do keep him under Thy Safeguard today , thence
will that person be delighted of his effort
209- But if ever thou wert heedless with it, will that prayer say:
"O LORD! This one neglected me in the past, do therefore
belittle him today..."
210- [Do also note that] some amongst the Scholars consider
as blameworthy to perform more than 8 rak'a [within sunrise
and noon]
211- For, according to them, that is not conform to the tradition
of Whom that is Lofty [the Prophet] - may He be granted the
Purest Blessings by the SUPREME PROTECTOR
212- ...As to his Family, his Companions and all the Muslim
Community, as long as who that follows the Straight Path will
be higher in degree than the mischievous...
213- When performing Nawãfil in the night, thou hast to recite
in loud voice [the Fãtiha and the following Surah]; but during
the day lower thou thy voice
214- It is held as blameworthy to talk within the meantime
beginning at the Morning Prayer until complete sunrise, and
most prejudicial to sleep within it
215- If thou fulfil the Morning Prayer (Subh) in a group and, just
in seeking for thy LORD's Satisfaction, thou stay thereat to
remember and to utter ALLAH's Names (Dhikr) until complete
sunrise
216- ...Thou hast gained during that period Benefits equivalent
to those due to whom has performed concurrently the major
and minor pilgrimage (Hajj and 'Umra )
217- If thou stay in due reverence for [ALLAH], the ABSOLUTE
MASTER, in the two extreme points of the day , HE will protect
thee from any harmful constraint within these two points...
218- There is however some divergence amongst the Scholars
as to know what is the most valuable act in supererogatory
prayers: whether it is drawing out standing postures or
performing numerous prostrations...
219- Some give preference to the first, while others hold the
second in higher regard but any of them put forward convincing
arguments...
220- A great number of prostrations entail the annulment of our
sins - as reported it the sound Master
221- For whenever the believer bends forward or prostrates in
humility and in reverence
222- ...Will his sins fall from his shoulders and his nape -bliss
to him!
223- The other side uphold that the finer way to pray consists in
performing long standing postures as a sign of submission to
ALLAH...
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