The Heirs of the Prophets عليهم السلام

by ابن رجب الحنبلي, Zaid Shakir (Translator)

The Heirs of the Prophet is an extraordinary book representing one of the many streams of traditional Islamic scholarship. In addition to huge multi-volume compendiums, many scholars also composed shorter treatises that focused, for example, on one particular statement (hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad. This volume is such a work. Imam Ibn Rajab, who is considered one of the foremost authorities of Prophetic tradition of his day, wrote this deeply inspiring commentary on one hadith of the Prophet in which he said, 'The scholars are the heirs of the Prophets.' Ibn Rajab was able to bring together the ethics, authentic stories, and penetrating insights that relate to the noble enterprise of true learning.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Nonfiction, Philosophy

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

ابن رجب الحنبلي (736- 795 هـ) هو الإمام الحافظ العلَّامة زين الدين عبد الرحمن بن أحمد بن عبد الرحمن بن الحسن بن محمد بن أبي البركات مسعود السلامي البغدادي الدمشقي الحنبلي، أبو الفرج الشهير بابن رجب، عالم دين مسلم، ومحدِّث وفقيه حنبلي. اشتهر بشرحه على الأربعون النووية وكان أيضًا المؤلف لكتاب «فتح الباري».

وُلد ابن رجب في بغداد، سنة 736هـ، لأسرة علمية عريقة في العلم والإمامة في الدين.

ثم قدِمَ إلى دمشق وهو صغير سنة 744هـ، وأجازه ابن النقيب، وسمع بمكة على الفخر عثمان بن يوسف، واشتغل بسماع الحديث باعتناء والده. وحدَّث عن محمد بن الخبَّاز، وإبراهيم ابن داود العطَّار، وأبي الحرم محمد بن القلانسي.

وسمع بمصر من صدر الدين أبي الفتح الميدومي، ومن جماعة من أصحاب ابن البُخاري. فأُتيح له تحصيل العلم على أكابر علماء عصره، ونبغ فيه وعلا شأنه في علم الحديث، وبلغ درجة الإمامة في فنونه، بل في أعمقها وأجلِّها، وهو علم الإسناد وعلم العلل، حتى قصده طلَّاب العلم.

وأما في الفقه فقد برع فيه حتى صار من أعلام المذهب الحنبلي، ويشهد على ذلك كتابه (القواعد الفقهية).

Reviews

[Wayfarer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masha'Allah! Inspires one to learn more, to exert greater effort, to purify ones intentions constantly, ... I've read the descriptions; but if you truly desire to become one of "The Heirs of the Prophets, upon them be peace" - you must take from the heirs directly, by accompanying them and learning from them, firstly from their states and then from their words. What delight, what delight!

[Tuscany Bernier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really concise and thoughtful read on Islamic scholarship.

[Hamza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! I knew it would be, considering it has the illustrious Imam Zaid Shakir at the helm, but it exceeded my expectations. It's amazing to me that so many classical scholars could pack so much knowledge into small treatises based off of single ahadith. These are feats that not many today could accomplish. This is recommended to anyone who wants a brief primer on the relationship between tasawwuf and fiqh and how true Islamic scholars can excel at both. May God reward both the author and the translator.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short book that’s with revisiting from time to time for those who study the Islamic sciences. Although I would say some of the quotes and traditions are pushing it a little in their veneration of scholars. I love studying and respect scholars and scholarship but take some of these ideas too much to heart and those who study could get a big head and really believe they are better than most others. We must remember that true knowledge always begins in humility.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than just another explanation of an important hadith, this is a classic in defining the true bearers of knowledge. While it inspires you to seek knowledge, it also reminds, advises and at parts quite sternly warns of the requisites for doing so. Must-read!

[Olfat Sakr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is relevant in any day and age. Whether you are seeking knowledge or not, it's an important read. It contains advice on seeking knowledge, differentiating between righteous scholars and worldly "scholars", and the importance of scholars in our tradition.

[Rudradeep Mukherjee]

Really an eye-opening book for someone who is not familiar with Islamic theology and scholarship. Contains admonitions for scholars and seekers of knowledge to regulate their lives and thoughts in the name of God.

[Karima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon completing this book, I gained a fresh perspective on knowledge. I used to view it as knowing a multitude of information for various purposes, but now I see that true knowledge involves understanding the specific kind with a singular purpose.

[Shahrian Shihab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful explanation of the hadith by Abu' Darda'. Explains the merits of sacred knowledge and scholars.

Rating: 4.5/5

[julesjulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ibn Rajab brilliantly dissects the hadith narrated by Abu Darda: “the scholars are the inheritors of the prophets”. It helped me gain a new found appreciation for honest scholarship and I can see myself re-reading this book again. Truly an excellent intro on the importance of seeking beneficial knowledge.

[Nusar Milbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book for Muslims that really makes you appreciate not only what it means to go out and seek knowledge, but also the sacrifices people throughout our history made to learn about their religion.

[Imraan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very good introduction to the many spiritual benefits of the pursuit of knowledge. Imam Zaid very eloquently describes the goal of a scholar. After reading this book you can only be motivated to strive for the collection, implementation, and teaching of sound Islamic knowledge!

Very inspiring read, and well recommended!

[Asmaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's an easy read, and has so many deep meanings. Though it was written some 600 yrs ago, it addresses current issues (ex. scholars for sale) and provides solutions to the problems, like corruption, from the root.

[Suzane D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. The author does an amazing job in talking about who are the heirs of the Prophet.

[asif rahman · Rating 5 out of 5]

a classical work recently translated that looks at the beauty of seeking knowledge and those that seek it.

[Imran Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very inspiring book that will instill your heart with reverence and awe of true knowledge and it's inheritors.