Al-Murshid al-Mu'een: The Concise Guide to the Basics of the Deen

by Abd al-Wahid Ibn Ashir, Asadullah Yate (Translator)

Al-Murshid al-Mu'een is a widely recognised primary text for learning Islam in North Africa. In it the author, Abd al-Wahid ibn 'Ashir, summarises in verse the three sciences of Islam, Iman and Maliki fiqh, Ash'ari 'aqida and Junaidi tasawwuf. This is its first complete translation into English. Dr. Asadullah Yate is also the translator of Shaykh Ahmad bin al-Bashir al-Qalawi ash-Shinqiti's (1216 AH/1802 CE- 1276 AH/1853 CE) Mufid al-'Ibad, a very full commentary on al-Murshid al-Mu'een, which is published by Diwan Press in English as "Islam in the School of Madina".

Genres: Islam

82 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2013

Reviews

[Saracen شرقسان]

Amazing book. It is a must read to learn Maliki fiqh, Ash'ari aqeedah and Junaydi tasawwuf, all in a concise edition featuring both english and vowelled arabic.

I suggest to memorize the poem as well.

[Tamara]

I enjoyed this book, but I'm not sure that it is useful for a new Muslim, though it is called 'the concise guide to the basics of the deen'.

It is a translation of a poem. And reflects ways of learning of bygone days.

[Natta Kuiski]

My rating applies to this translation by Yate, not the work by Ibn Ashir itself. I realize that translations an elliptical medieval Arabic poem into fluent English is no mean feat, but still the translation felt a bit clunky and opaque at times -- which ties in with my next criticism. This edition could have greatly benefited from expository footnotes and perhaps a glossary, as well. Most of all, an introduction that at the least places Ibn Ashir and his work into context would have been appreciated. The work sides due to its absence.

Overall, it felt like minimal effort was put into producing this edition. On the plus side, I did appreciate that they included the (fully voweled) original Arabic side-by-side with the English translation.