Translator’s Afterword
We
are living in a time of great confusion, a time where Muslims are only just
beginning to rediscover their identity after centuries of decline and
subjugation to others. Indeed, we are still dazzled by the achievements of
others, and it is a constant struggle to reassert our Islâm in the face of
overwhelming pressure from Western media and technology.
Human knowledge may
have advanced in leaps and bounds over the past few decades (and let us not
forget that the scientific and medical progress of the West is bat on a
foundation laid down by Muslims!), but it is clear that people are thirsting for
more than technology alone can offer. This is evident in the spread of “new-age”
movements and cults, and also in the phenomenon of “self-improvement” and
“personal-development” books, sales of which have mushroomed in recent
years.
Such “motivational”
books and the tapes and courses that are also available are well presented and
appear very attractive. Muslims, too, may be avid consumers of such material.
But this material, which is overwhelmingly Western in orientation, only serves
to further confuse the Muslim, who is already suffering from the identity crisis
that has blighted followers of Islâm for far too long. No doubt Islâm has also
the answers, so why can we not find information on “self-improvement” in
Islâmic texts?
In
fact, when we familiarize ourselves with our Islâmic heritage (turâth),
we will find that our forebears had a great deal to say about the human
condition. They examined the universe, and human beings, in the light of the Qur’ân
and Sunnah, and wrote much that is still pertinent to everyday life so
many centuries later. The problem for English-speaking Muslims is that, if they
cannot read Arabic, this wealth of knowledge is inaccessible to them.
Fortunately, however, many individuals and organizations are now making the
effort to translate important books into English, so as to make the treasures of
our heritage available beyond the Arabic-speaking world.
One of the most vital
qualities for any person to attain is that which is known in Arabic as sabr: patience or
perseverance. Anyone who wishes to be a better student, a more successful
businessman, a wiser parent, needs patience. Similarly, anyone who wishes to
fulfil his duties towards Allâh, to observe all the prayers and fasts required
by Islâm, to treat other people well and to overcome his own shortcomings and
failings (Jihâd an-nafs)
also needs patience. Patience and gratitude are the keys to success in this
world and the next, as we have learnt from reading the words of Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah.
May Allâh guide us to
His Way and help us to be among
as-Sâbirîn and
ash-Shâkirîn
