Book Review: Rajab al Hanbali Al Ghurabah The Strangers
.png "Rajab al Hanbali Al Ghurabah The Strangers") |
| Al Ghurabah The Strangers |
Book Review: Rajab al Hanbali Al Ghurabah The Strangers
Before Buying, Better to Read the Book Review: Rajab al Hanbali Al Ghurabah The Strangers by Lega problema.com - Have you ever wondered why Islam is described as having "started strange"? This very notion is central to Rajab al Hanbali Al Ghurabah The Strangers, a profound treatise that delves into the concept of the "strangers" - those rare, steadfast believers who remain true to the faith despite widespread opposition and alienation. The book opens with the prophetic hadith: “Islam began as something strange and it will return to being something strange, so tuba (good tidings) for the strangers!” This sets the tone for a deep exploration of spiritual alienation and perseverance within the Muslim community[1][3].
The author, Ibn Rajab al Hanbali, expands on this theme by examining the lives and characteristics of these strangers - individuals who uphold the original teachings of Islam amidst a society that often turns away from them. The narrative explains how, as Islam began with a small, marginalized group, it will again find itself in a similar state as misguided innovations rise, making the true followers appear as outsiders. This theme resonates with the hadith warning about the division of the Muslim community into many sects, with only one adhering to the authentic path[1].
Book Details
Author
Original Language
Translation
English
Publisher
Dar al-Minhaj or Al-Miraj
ISBN
164354196X
Length
100-150 pages
Genre
Structure and Contents of the Book
What makes this book structure so compelling? The work is divided into three main parts:
- Part One: A general overview of the concept of strangeness in Islam, heavily relying on anecdotes and examples from the lives of righteous predecessors.
- Part Two: Ibn Rajab detailed explanation of the ahadith (prophetic traditions) related to the strangers, focusing on spiritual and legal aspects.
- Appendix: Extracts from Ibn al-Qayyim Madarij al-Salikin, summarizing and reinforcing the themes of the first two parts.
Key contents include:
- The prophetic hadith about Islam beginning and end as something strange.
- Characteristics and descriptions of the strangers, such as their patience, steadfastness, and isolation.
- The spiritual trials faced by these individuals in a world dominated by misguided innovations.
- Reflections on the believer capital being their religion and the emotional burden of maintaining faith in adversity[1][3].
Strong Points of the Book
What strengths make Rajab al Hanbali Al Ghurabah The Strangers stand out? First, it offers a rich spiritual and psychological insight into the experience of devout Muslims who feel alienated by societal trends. The book grounding in authentic hadith lends it strong religious authority, making it a valuable resource for understanding Islamic perseverance[1].
Second, the combination of historical anecdotes with rigorous hadith analysis provides a balanced approach that appeals to both lay readers and scholars. The inclusion of Ibn al-Qayyim appendix adds further depth, linking the concept of strangeness to broader Islamic spirituality[1][4].
Finally, the book message is timeless and relevant, especially in contemporary contexts where many Muslims feel marginalized or misunderstood. It encourages patience and steadfastness, qualities essential for spiritual resilience[1].
Impact and Legacy of the Work
How has this book influenced Islamic thought? Rajab al Hanbali Al Ghurabah The Strangers has become a seminal text in discussions about the spiritual condition of Muslims who adhere strictly to traditional teachings. Its impact is seen in contemporary Islamic scholarship and devotional literature that emphasize the concept of being "strangers" in the modern world[1][2].
The work has inspired many to reflect on the hadith about Islam "strangeness" and to understand their own experiences of faith in a broader historical and spiritual context. It has also contributed to reviving interest in classical Islamic spirituality and the importance of maintaining orthodoxy amid changing times[1].
.jpg "Rajab al Hanbali Al Ghurabah The Strangers") |
| Rajab al Hanbali |
Criticism of the Book
Is the book without its detractors? Some critics argue that the book emphasis on strangeness and isolation may inadvertently encourage a sense of exclusivity or withdrawal from society. Others question the reliance on certain hadith, given ongoing scholarly debates about hadith authenticity and interpretation[9][11].
Moreover, the book focus on strict adherence to traditional interpretations may not resonate with all Muslims, particularly those who seek more contextual or reformist approaches to Islamic teachings. Nonetheless, these critiques often come from broader discussions about hadith and Islamic jurisprudence rather than specific flaws in the book itself[9].
Comparison with Other Similar Books
How does this work compare with other Islamic texts on similar themes? Compared to Imam al-Ajurri earlier treatise on the strangers, Ibn Rajab work is more expansive and analytical, providing deeper spiritual insights and a more detailed hadith commentary[1].
Other books on Islamic spirituality, such as Ibn al-Qayyim Madarij al-Salikin, complement Rajab al Hanbali Al Ghurabah The Strangers by offering a broader mystical framework. However, few works focus as precisely on the theme of strangeness and alienation within the Muslim community as this one does[1][3].
Islam Started Strange Hadith - Further Reflections
Why does the hadith say "Islam started strange"? This hadith reflects the historical reality that Islam began with a small, often persecuted group whose beliefs and practices were unfamiliar and even alien to the dominant society. The believers were few, weak, and often forced to migrate to preserve their faith[6].
The hadith also serves as a prophetic warning that Islam will return to a similar state of strangeness, where true believers are a minority amidst widespread innovation and deviation. This cyclical view encourages Muslims to remain patient and steadfast, embodying the qualities of the strangers described by Ibn Rajab[1][6].
Understanding this hadith helps contextualize the book message and highlights the enduring relevance of spiritual perseverance in Islam
Final Ruling on the Book
In sum, Rajab al Hanbali Al Ghurabah The Strangers is a profoundly informative and spiritually enriching work that illuminates the concept of being a "stranger" in Islam. It skillfully combines hadith scholarship with practical reflections on faith, making it an essential read for those seeking to understand the challenges and virtues of steadfastness in a changing world.
While some may critique its traditionalist stance, the book insights remain valuable for anyone interested in Islamic spirituality, history, and the enduring message of the hadith about Islam "strangeness." For scholars, students, and devout readers alike, it offers a compelling guide to navigating faith with patience and resilience[1][3][4].
After read this book, usually people also search as following: Tirmidhi 2630, Abu Amina,Reward of 50 sahaba Hadith, Ghuraba, Tirmidhi 2677, What does the Quran say about strangers, Ghuraba hadith, Be in this world like a traveller hadith meaning, Hadith Be a stranger in this world, Abu Amina Elias Salafi, Abu Amina Elias Yaqeen Institute, Find hadith
Then some of them also have some following questions:
Then some of them also have some following questions:
- Who are the strangers in Islam?
- Who were the strangers in history?
- What is the origin of strangers?
- Who are considered strangers?
- What does ghuraba mean?
- Who is the most mysterious person in Islam?
- Who were the 3 killers in The Strangers?
- Who is the leader of The Strangers?
- Who created The Strangers?
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Citations
[1] https://www.kalamullah.com/Books/The_Journey_of_the_Strangers_by_Ibn_Rajab_al-Hanbali_Imam_al-Ajurri.pdf
[2] https://emaan.com.au/products/the-journey-of-the-strangers
[3] https://archive.org/details/the-strangers-ibn-rajab
[4] https://almirajbooks.com/products/the-journey-of-the-strangers-by-ibn-rajab-al-hanbali-abu-bakr-al-ajurr
[5] https://islamicbookstore.com.au/products/the-journey-of-the-strangers-by-ibn-rajab-al-hanbali
[6] https://islamqa.info/en/answers/45855/islam-began-as-something-strange
[7] https://nlp.biu.ac.il/~ravfogs/resources/embeddings-alignment/glove_vocab.250k.txt
[8] https://www.abebooks.com/9781643541969/Ghurabah-Strangers-Hanbali-Ibn-Rajab-164354196X/plp
[9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_hadith
[10] https://www.wieringernieuws.nl/index.php?pagina=Column&optie=Detail
[11] https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/authenticating-hadith-and-the-history-of-hadith-criticism
[12] https://archive.org/stream/variety197-1955-01-05/variety197-1955-01-05_djvu.txt
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