The Ideal Muslimah (IIPH)

Ranks of The Fearful by Shaykh Al Islam Muwaffaq Al Din Ibn Qudamah Al Maqdisi (Died 620 Hijri) Allah, the Most High, has praised those who possess the attribute of a heightened sense of fear Saying, “And such (are the believers) who are humbled by the fear of their Lord…” (Al Muminun, 57) And He also Said: “… fear Me alone, if you are believers.” (Ali’ Imran, 175) The element of fear exists within mankind in varying degrees. When the fear of Allah is established in the hearts, it eliminates wrongdoing and attachment to worldly desires. It is alight that navigates a person through sin and temptation, and when this fear is removed, it easily leads them astray – for surely true and praiseworthy fear is being vigilant from transgressing the limits of Allah. Yet when fear exceeds its proper boundary, it gives rise to hopelessness and despair, which is equally blameworthy. The attribute of fear therefore, is not the end goal itself, but a means towards a successful end. ‘Al-Khawf ‘ is from the smaller works of Imam Ibn Qudamah, who is better known for authoring major authoritative treatises of Hanbali jurisprudence and doctrine. In this short book, he brings disquieting realities of fearing Allah in a unique perspective; elucidating some profound insight into the topic, its reality and merits, types and levels and cures that bring about fear. It also discusses causes that lead to a bad ending for people on this earth, while taking rooted examples from the lives of the fearful ones from among the Angels,Prophets and our righteous predecessors.

It is a unique educational book addressing the female gender espe cially the girls. Despite the small size of the book, it is rich in religious advice, and each chapter directs a phase of the girl’s life with more attention to the adolescence. It provides real experiences of life for some girls for the others to learn and benefit from.

This book is a good reference for the reader, be it the girl itself, a mother or anyone who is seeking to know the instructions, guidelines and good manners that a Muslim woman should follow. And this based on the texts of the Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh). It also includes some poetry of the Arabs, real stories, and international statistics.

For every situation, Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. has prescribed various Du’a that can be read throughout Ramadan and even after it, as a form of therapy. It is with hope and faith that positive changes can come out of this beloved month of Ramadan to those who seek it.