Which Resources Will Help Me Reach Ihsan?
Question: Assalamu ‘alaykum. How does someone who has reached her early 30’s in an abysmal state of iman and self-discipline reach a level of ihsan or get their nafs to nafs al-muṭmaʾinnah? Are there books in English with a good quality translation or live online classes? There are no local options. I read that books like Ihya Ulum Al-Din are not well translated. I want a step-by-step guidebook.
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum assaalm wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
I pray you are well.
There are many resources on our site to help you along the way. You could start with our many live and on-demand courses. “First Principles of Islamic Spirituality” is a good on-demand course to start with. If you want a live course, then start with ‘The Path of Muhammad.’
There are score options on our site – each giving a structured approach. Some are directly on spirituality, such as ‘The Beginning of Guidance,’ and others are essential elements needed for the journey, such as the courses on Belief, Fiqh, the Qur’an, the Hadith and life of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace)
If you want books then there are many sections of the Ihya that have been capably translated. Look for translations of Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad (Timothy Winter). All of Imam Haddad’s works are beneficial, and very well translated by Dr. Mostafa Badawi.
Please see:
https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/answers/islamic-belief/how-do-i-grow-closer-to-allah/
https://www.meccabooks.com/509-the-beginning-of-guidance-bidayat-al-hidaya-9781933764061.html
Find some good, like-minded company – even if it is virtual for now. It will help you along your journey. May Allah facilitate the entire matter for you. Amin.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.
