Kitab al-Hikam

Course Overview

The course covers Ibn ʿAtaillah al-Iskandari’s popular work ‘Kitab al-Hikam’ and discusses excerpts from it. Discussions focus on the centrality of worship and salah, and the importance of certain prerequisites prior to worship. The course highlights the need to define and clearly understand the position of Allah in relation to the believer. It further describes the regulations on ablution and the benefits of purity, even outside of the prayer. Finally, the course covers the proper perspective for a believer: hope in one’s best efforts, in the goodness of Allah, as well as a remaining focus on the Hereafter and the temporary nature of this life.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Understand of the value of worship
• Demonstrate a profound understanding of the importance of Allah and your relationship to Him
• Explain the rules regarding ablution, purification and prayer
• Understand the purpose of struggle and striving to achieving Allah’s Divine pleasure
• Recognise the centralising influence of the Quran