The Book of Assistance

By Imam ‘Abdallah Ibn ‘Alawi Al-Haddad

Fons Vitae (2003)

Lately I have joined some members of my family to attend the twice monthly Ratib sessions held at Masjid al Bukhari in Jalan Hang Tuah, Kuala Lumpur.   (In Arabic, Rataba means to arrange in a regular sequence.  Thus a Ratib is a sequential supplication to Allah.) As part of the sessions, Ratib al Haddad is recited before Maghrib (sunset) prayers.  I was excited to find a book written by the author of Ratib al Haddad.

The book is a simple and practical guide for those who wish to improve themselves as Muslims and for beginners along the Sufi path.

On reciting the Quran he says, “You must have a wird of recitation of the Mighty Book to be read every day.”  The actual wird is left to the individual, may be one juz (a thirtieth part of the Quran) or ten juz a day.

On following the sunnah (way of the Prophet S.A.W.) it can be simple exercises such as, “When you either eat or drink always begin with bismillah (in the name of God) and conclude with Alhamdulillah (praised be God).”

He reminds, “You must enjoin good and forbid evil, for this is the pivot around which religion revolves, and is the reason why God revealed His Books and sent His Messengers.”

Credit must also be given to the translator, Mostafa al-Badawi, for arranging the book into easily identifiable chapters and including necessary annotations to make understanding the book much easier.

The book is very readable, simple and practical for any lay person, not some esoteric mumbo jumbo that needs a ‘Master’ to interpret it to be understood. 

The Holy Cities, The Pilgrimage and The World of Islam

A History: From the earliest traditions till 1925 (1344H)

By Sultan Ghalib al-Quaiti

Fons Vitae (2007)

 As the sub-title states, the book covers the period from the time of Adam (A.S.) till the early part of the third Saudi State.  The pre-Islamic period is based mainly on Hadith (sayings/teachings of Prophet Mohammed S.A.W.), Sirah (history of the Prophet S.A.W.) and other Arab sources while the Islamic and post-Islamic periods can be collaborated from various sources.

It is a detailed study running into 552 pages, not counting the preface, introduction, appendices and notes.

It highlights the various Islamic empires and their relationships with the cities of Makkah and Madina and the restorations, renovations and improvements to the holy shrines that were undertaken by the rulers.  The fall of the Ottoman Caliphate and the rise of Mustafa Kamal Pasha (Ataturk)are also discussed.

The book also discusses The Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahab, his teachings and legacy, and I must add that this is the first book in which I read, in some detail, about the ‘Qarmatians’ and the removal of the ‘Black Stone’(al-Hajar al-Aswad) from the Ka’aba.

The book also contains some old photographs and lists the names of all the rulers of the various dynasties in its appendices.

I found this book immensely informative and interesting, and would recommend it as a 'must read' to anybody interested in knowing and understanding the history of Makkah and Madina.