Book Review: All Inclusive Method of The 'Ilm of Dhikr Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi

All Inclusive Method of The 'Ilm of Dhikr

Book Review: All Inclusive Method of The 'Ilm of Dhikr Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi

Before Buying, Better to Read the Book Review: All Inclusive Method of The 'Ilm of Dhikr Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi by Legaprobelam.com - Have you ever wondered how Islamic spirituality can be deeply nurtured through practical methods like muraqaba and dhikr in Islam? The book All Inclusive Method of The 'Ilm of Dhikr Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi offers a profound insight into these spiritual practices, particularly through the lens of Sufi zikr. This work by the renowned scholar Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi presents a comprehensive blueprint for learning and practicing the 'Ilm (knowledge) of Dhikr that is inclusive and practical for all levels of the Muslim community.¹

The book emphasizes the necessity of moving beyond mere theoretical knowledge to a living, breathing experience of dhikr, which in Islamic spirituality is the remembrance of Allah through repeated invocation. Nadwi approach integrates formal education with spiritual practice, advocating for a system that can educate and spiritually awaken the entire Muslim population by fostering a deep connection with the Divine through muraqaba (meditative contemplation) and zikr.¹

What sets this book apart is its focus on the practical application of dhikr in everyday life, echoing the prophetic tradition of learning through companionship and service. It challenges the complacency of modern Muslims, urging a revival of spiritual consciousness amid the distractions of contemporary life. The work also highlights the dangers of materialism and irreligious movements, positioning dhikr as a vital counterforce to these trends.¹

In essence, the all Inclusive Method of The 'Ilm of Dhikr is not just a theoretical treatise but a call to action for Muslims to reclaim their spiritual heritage through disciplined remembrance, self-purification, and community engagement.¹

Book Details

Author

Shaykh Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi

Original Language

English

Translation

-

Publisher

Nadwatul Ulama

ISBN

-

Length

40-50 pages

Genre

Islamic spirituality, religious education, Sufi practice²

Structure and Contents

How does this book organize the vast knowledge of dhikr and Islamic spirituality into a coherent method? The structure is carefully designed to guide readers from foundational concepts to practical implementation:¹

• Introduction to the spiritual malaise of contemporary Muslims and the need for revival through dhikr.
• The prophetic model of education emphasizing faith (Emaan) before knowledge (Ilm).
• Concept of Mutaharrak and Amli Darsgah practical, kinetic learning environments for spiritual training.
• Detailed discussion on the etiquette and methodology of dhikr and muraqaba.
• Blueprint for integrating this method into formal education systems to reach all layers of society.
• Emphasis on companionship (Suhabat) and service (Khidmat) as means of spiritual learning.
• Strategies to counter materialism and irreligious ideologies through spiritual education.

Strong Points of the Book

What makes the All Inclusive Method of The 'Ilm of Dhikr stand out in the realm of Islamic spirituality and dhikr in Islam? Several strengths are evident:¹

• Practicality: The book advocates a hands-on approach to spiritual learning, moving beyond dry knowledge to lived experience.
• Inclusivity: It addresses all levels of society, from novices to scholars, ensuring accessibility.
• Integration: It proposes integrating spiritual practices within formal education, a novel approach to mass spiritual awakening.
• Timeliness: The critique of materialism and distraction is highly relevant to contemporary Muslims.
• Legacy of Nadwi: Authored by a respected scholar whose influence spans globally, lending credibility and depth.

Impact and Legacy

How has this book influenced Islamic spirituality and the practice of dhikr in Islam? The legacy of Nadwi method is multifaceted:¹

• It has inspired Islamic educators to reconsider the role of spiritual practice in curricula.
• Encouraged revivalist movements within Sufi circles to emphasize practical zikr and muraqaba.
• Strengthened the understanding that spiritual education must be dynamic and community-oriented.
• Contributed to the discourse on countering secular and materialistic ideologies through Islamic spirituality.
• Enhanced appreciation for the prophetic model of teaching and learning among contemporary scholars.

Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi

Criticism of the Book

Is the all Inclusive Method of The 'Ilm of Dhikr without fault? Some critiques have emerged, mostly constructive:¹

• Translation challenges: The English version struggles to capture the full nuance of the original Urdu, limiting accessibility.
• Implementation hurdles: The ambitious integration with formal education systems may face practical obstacles in diverse Muslim societies.
• Limited contemporary examples: Some readers desire more case studies or modern applications of the method.
• Focus scope: The book centers on spiritual education but less on the socio-political contexts that also affect Islamic spirituality.

Comparison with Other Similar Books

How does Nadwi work compare with other notable texts on Islamic spirituality and dhikr?

Aspect	All Inclusive Method of The 'Ilm of Dhikr	Al-Hikam by Ibn Ata'illah	The Book of Assistance by Imam al-Haddad
Focus	Practical spiritual education and mass awakening	Wisdom aphorisms on spiritual states	Guidance on Sufi ethics and worship
Style	Methodical, educational blueprint	Poetic, aphoristic	Instructional, devotional
Audience	All Muslim society levels	Advanced Sufi practitioners	Intermediate to advanced seekers
Integration	Formal education and community practice	Personal spiritual reflection	Individual and communal worship
Legacy	Revivalist educational impact	Classical Sufi literature staple	Popular manual in Sufi circles

Islamic Spirituality

What role does Islamic spirituality play in the All Inclusive Method of The 'Ilm of Dhikr? This book places Islamic spirituality at the heart of its teachings, emphasizing that true knowledge ('Ilm) is inseparable from spiritual awakening. Islamic spirituality here is not abstract but a lived reality achieved through disciplined dhikr and muraqaba, fostering a heart that is constantly connected to Allah. The method encourages believers to transcend mere ritual and enter a state of continuous remembrance, which revitalizes faith and purifies the soul.¹

Muraqaba

Why is muraqaba, or meditative contemplation, essential in Nadwi method? Muraqaba is presented as a key spiritual tool that complements dhikr in Islam. It allows the practitioner to internalize the remembrance of Allah, fostering deep self-awareness and spiritual insight. The book details how muraqaba helps overcome distractions and material attachments, facilitating a state where the heart becomes a mirror reflecting divine presence. This practice is integral to the transformation Nadwi envisions for the Muslim community.¹

Dhikr in Islam

How does the book redefine dhikr in Islam beyond traditional conceptions? Nadwi method insists that dhikr is not merely repetitive utterance but a comprehensive spiritual discipline that shapes character and consciousness. It is a dynamic process involving the heart, mind, and actions, aimed at achieving proximity to Allah. The book elaborates on the etiquette, frequency, and sincerity required, making dhikr a central pillar of everyday life rather than a peripheral ritual.¹

Sufi Zikr

What distinguishes Sufi zikr in the context of this book? The all Inclusive Method of The 'Ilm of Dhikr draws from Sufi traditions to highlight zikr as a profound spiritual practice that transcends mere verbal repetition. Sufi zikr involves collective remembrance, rhythmic chanting, and deep contemplation, fostering spiritual ecstasy and purification. Nadwi approach respects this heritage while adapting it for broader educational and communal application, making Sufi zikr accessible and practical for all Muslims.¹

Final Ruling

In our collective assessment, the book All Inclusive Method of The 'Ilm of Dhikr Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi stands as a vital contribution to Islamic spirituality and education. It offers a comprehensive, practical, and inclusive framework for reviving dhikr in Islam, integrating muraqaba and Sufi zikr into a method accessible to all Muslims. While translation and implementation challenges exist, the book strengths and legacy outweigh these, making it a recommended read for scholars, educators, and spiritual seekers alike.¹

Citation

1. https://archive.org/details/all-inclusive-method-of-ilm-learning-and-zikr-abul-hasan-ali-nadwi
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abul_Hasan_Ali_Nadwi
3. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Abul_Hasan_Ali_Hasani_Nadwi.jpg
4. http://www.najaf.org/self-building.pdf
5. https://archive.org/details/all-inclusive-common-method-of-ilm-o-zikr