"Al-Minhaj as-Sawiyy min al-Hadith
an-Nabawiyy (S.A.W.W)"
Numerous scholars have undertaken the task of collection and ordering of Hadith
on different subjects which can be categorized under different heads. Mishkat
al-Masabih by Khatib Tabrizi, at-Targhib wat-Tarhib by Imam Mundhari, Riyad as-Salihin
by Imam Nawawi and al-Matjar ar-Rabih by Imam Dimyati are prominent books which
were published centuries ago. It goes to the credit of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr
Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri who made a huge collection of Hadith on miscellaneous
topics in accordance with the demands of the contemporary age, which was
published under Farid-e-Millat Research Institute (FMRi). Following are some of
the prominent features:
• This book of about one thousand pages contains eleven hundred Hadiths.
• Simple Urdu translation along with proper references has also been done for
those familiar with the Urdu language.
• This collection of Hadith derived from vast treasure of the Prophetic
traditions is equally useful for people of every category.
• About three hundred authentic books on hadith have been consulted.
• This book prepares the ground for correction of religious beliefs, inspires
readers to act piously and provides practical guidance in practical life.
The writer has set up 16 chapters of the book including an abridged version of
his chains of authorities (Mukhtasar al-Jawahir al-Bahira fi al-Asanid at-Tahira)
and a firm word on the science of hadith and branches of doctrine which is
termed as al-Khutba as-Sadida fi Usul al-Hadith wa Furu al-Aqida.
The first chapter is on the subject of Iman, Islam and Ihsan (belief, faith,
Islam and excellence) and dilates upon such topic as belief, reality of faith,
signs and attributes of a Muslim, rights of a Muslim over other Muslim,
benevolence, signs and attributes of benefactor and signs of infidelity and
dissention.
The second chapter deals with al-Khawarij, blasphemers of the Holy Prophet (saw)
and apostates.
The third chapter throws light in detail on such subjects as worships,
excellence of prayer, fasts during the holy month of Ramadan, optional fasts &
optional prayers, excellence of Itikaf, alms-due (zakat) and charity and Hajj,
etc.
The fourth chapter describes the manner in which the Holy Prophet (blessings and
peace be upon him) offered his prayers in addition to description of leading the
prayer and not saying tasmiya (bism Allah) in a loud voice, of not undertaking
raf yadain (raising hands) in prayer other than after the utterance of the first
takbeer and of not reciting when ones’ prayer is led by the Imam etc.
The fifth chapter is about salat tarawih (Ramadan night vigil prayer) and the
number of its cycles (rakat).
The sixth chapter deals with making prayer after the obligatory prayers, the
excellence of prayer (Dua), the raising of hands for Dua (supplication).
The seventh chapter throws light on the subjects of sincerity, purgation of
heart, indifference to the worldly pursuits, truth, weeping out of fear of
Allah, being resigned in life, repentance and praising the Glory of God.
The eighth chapter describes the importance and excellence of productive
knowledge, pious deeds, scholars, remembrance of Allah, sending blessings and
salutations on the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and reciting
Naat (nashid, hymn) etc.
The ninth chapter is a statement on the greatness and excellence of the Holy
Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), his knowledge and gnosis, the
Prophet’s intercession during the Day of Judgment, extreme love for the Holy
Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), and his reverence and respect.
The tenth chapter dilates upon the attributes of the Holy Prophet (blessings and
peace be upon him), attributes and excellence of the Prophet’s family, of the
holy Companions, the coming of Imam Mahdi and spiritual excellence of the saints
and Friend of Allah.
The eleventh chapter is dedicated to the subject of miracles by the Holy Prophet
(blessings and peace be upon him) as well as those by the saints and Friends of
Allah.
The twelfth chapter describes the privileged and distinguished status of the
Umma of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), excellence of this
Umma in the last age; Umma’s never being together while in error and misguidance
and the raising of reformers and revivalists in the Umma.
The thirteenth chapter is on the topic of holding the Sunna of the Holy Prophet
(blessings and peace be upon him) firmly, and keeping oneself away from evil
innovation etc.
The fourteenth chapter is a detailed statement on excellence of morality and
good manners. It throws light on such topics as providing help to people in need
& difficulty, meting out good treatment towards parents and elderly people,
rights and obligations family and children including comprehensive statement on
rights.
The fifteenth chapter is dedicated to the description of respects, regards and
other good manners of eating, talking, dressing, and sitting in the company of
people.
The last and final chapter throws light on uni-link and bi-link traditions
reported by Imam al-Azam Abu Hanifa (RA) and tri-link traditions reported by
Imam Bukhari.
Following Allah’s commandment, the above mentioned chapters have been crowned
with the praise and glorification of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be
upon him). This book provides happiness for the Prophet’s lovers and those who
send Darood and salutation on the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon
him), on the one hand and is a comprehensive collection of Prophetic traditions
on the other.
As this book is all-comprehensive in terms of description of sayings, actions
and other matters of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), in the
same way its name, assigned to the book by the author, is also comprehensive of
all hadith of the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him).