The beginning of this book does place into context much of the rest of the text, as Imam Zafar Uthmani says,

“As the object of this book [I'la' al-Sunan] is to counter the charges of the literalists against the Hanafi scholars, we chose to close with something in reply to their accusations against Sufi scholars as well.”

The “I’la’ al-Sunan” referenced above is the work of which this is the final chapter. This translated work of that chapter, along with additional commentary and notes is 57 pages long.

The relationship of Sufism to the development of that good character is established up front. From this point onward many textual evidences and explanations of hadith which involve the development of good character are described and commented on.

Shaykh Faraz, as the translator, also takes the liberty to add commentary on these hadith from two classical jurists , Mulla ‘Ali al-Qari and Mawlana Ahmad Diya al-Din al-Kumushkhawani.

Also, over 5 pages (10%) is devoted to the notes from the translator which are properly referenced from within the text itself. The notes are very helpful in terms of understanding the text itself. One of the interesting aspects is that they hint at subtleties which only come from awareness from being trained in classical texts, such as when reading simple sentence “So, understand this.”

Shaykh Faraz notes,

“At the end of noteworthy investigations, or after making a strong argument, it is the habit of scholars to say, “So understand” [fa 'fham]. Out of good manners, if such texts are read to scholars, it is better to read, “So let it be understood” [fa lyufham], as the student must not command the teacher.”

The text itself goes into fabulous discussions of the many positive qualities in Sufism. This is impressive since although its objective is to answer detractors, it retains the same benefit to those who not being faced with opposition to Sufism, but seeking understanding. Also this provides a nice consolidated list of some of the most relevant hadith used to develop the sciences of tassawuf. Indeed, there is much benefit to clarify one’s own understanding of spirituality and how to take these hadiths in context as a whole.

The discussion over the changing of character traits, such as anger, is really quite eye opening. The meaning of suppressing/controlling anger versus the impossible effort to eliminate it seemed something I could contemplate on for some time.

All in all a must have for everyones collection, this is one of those few books whose benefit far outweighs its thickness.

Price: $6.95 at Al-Rashad Bookstore