Provisions for the Seekers

A Manual of Prophetic Ḥadīths with Commentary

A Translation & Commentary of Shaykh Ashiq Ilāhī al-Bulandshehrī’s Zad al-Ṭālibīn
Includes the original Arabic text.

Imām Nawawī famously stated: “The science of ḥadīth is the noblest means of attaining closeness to the Lord of the Worlds.”

The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa-sallam) possessed extraordinary oratorical skills. His words were eloquent, profound, and simple, conveying boundless wisdom and guidance in a few words. He himself said: “I have been sent with the jawāmi‘ al-kalim” (Bukhārī)-succinct expressions that communicate a multitude of meanings.

Today, bookstores and libraries are filled with collections of proverbs and sayings attributed to historical figures, political leaders, and philosophers. Yet all of these pale in comparison to the eloquence and divine wisdom of the Prophet Muḥammad (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa-sallam). In the light of his guidance, the wisest philosophers and sages appear as mere students.

This book presents a carefully curated collection of 327 ḥadīths, compiled by Shaykh Ashiq Ilāhī al-Bulandshehrī from ‘Allāma Tabrīzī’s renowned work Mishkāt al-Masābīḥ. It includes many examples of jawāmi‘ al-kalim, as well as prophecies, narratives, and other instructive accounts.

Designed to inspire the hearts and minds of today’s Muslims, this collection offers a glimpse into the charisma of the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa-sallam) and provides practical guidance for those seeking closeness to Allāh.

Widely taught in madāris around the world as an introductory ḥadīth text, this beautifully bound English edition now makes Shaykh Ashiq Ilāhī al-Bulandshehrī’s work accessible, complete with commentary from classical sources.