A Sufi Study of Hadith

A Sufi Study of Hadith
(Originally titled Haqiqa al-Tariqa min as-Sunna al-Aniqa)

A Sufi Study of Hadith is a unique commentary on a selection of over three hundred authentic hadith. Mawlānā Ashraf Ali Thanwī, one of the subcontinent’s greatest spiritual leaders and an exceptionally prolific author, translates, interprets, and provides commentary on each hadith from the perspective of tasawwuf. His explanations illuminate fine points of theology, moral conduct, etiquette, behaviour, and the customary practices of Sufis. Within the pages of this volume, readers encounter a dimension of Islam that is often little known and even less understood. For all seekers of truth, particularly those keen to deepen their understanding of the Prophet ﷺ’s teachings on tasawwuf, Mawlānā Thanwī’s work is invaluable. - Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo

Mawlānā Ashraf Ali Thanwī (rahmatullāhi alayh) excelled in every branch of Islamic learning and was one of the most outstanding religious figures of the Islamic world in recent times. Perhaps his most enduring legacy is the widespread awareness, understanding, and acceptance of authentic tasawwuf among the masses. He is remembered as Hakīm al-Ummah (Physician of the Ummah) for his unmatched expertise in diagnosing spiritual ailments and providing effective remedies.

In this book, Mawlānā Thanwī explores numerous subtle and complex themes of tasawwuf derived from the ahadith of our beloved Messenger ﷺ. His erudite commentary demonstrates repeatedly how the principles of tasawwuf are rooted in the primary sources of Islam. Following the methodology of his illustrious mashā’ikh, he emphasises the complete harmony between Shariah and Tariqah, and their interrelatedness.

Thanks to Mawlānā Yusuf DeLorenzo’s translation, English-speaking Muslims can now access this valuable work. Studying it under the guidance of a qualified Shaykh will enhance the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the treasury of hadith, as well as the science of tasawwuf, proving beneficial for anyone traversing the spiritual path leading to Allah. - Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (hafizahullāh)

This volume revives the tradition of the earliest Sufis, who related hadiths of the Prophet ﷺ in seminal works such as Qushayrī’s Risālah, Makki’s Qut al-Qulūb, and Abū Nu‘aym’s Ḥilyat al-Awliyā. Imam Junayd stated:

“The spiritual path is blocked shut, except to those who seek out the traces of the Chosen Prophet ﷺ; Say, ‘This is my path: I summon to Allah with full insight, I and whoever wholeheartedly follows me’” [Qur’an 12:108].