Qasd al-Sabeel

The straight path simplified – an annotated translation.

Divided into ten sections titled as ‘ Hidayahs ’, Mawlana Ashraf ‘Ali Thanwi details the purpose of Tasawwuf and its objective, its essential components, common pitfalls and general counsel. His Khalifa, Khwajah ‘Aziz al-Hasan Majzub mentions this book as one of the author’s most prominent and influential books. It was also one of the essential readings stipulated for a person intending to traverse this path.

Relying on multiple original manuscripts, Mawlana Kawsar Hossain, under the guidance of Mawlana Tameem Ahmadi, has expertly translated this into the English language. Evidence from the Qur’an and Sunnah as well as necessary explanations and clarifications have also been added. As the translator is based in the US, he has included appropriate examples and explanations where necessary in order to clarify for a Western audience the points made by the author.

The Author:

Mawlana Ashraf ‘Ali Thanwi was born on 5 Rabi’ al-Thani 1280AH in Thana Bhawan. He lost his mother at a young age and was raised by his father who taught and emphasised to him the importance of good character.

He began his initial studies at the hands of his uncle Mawlana Fateh Muhammad and thereafter proceeded to Darul ‘Ulum Deoband from where he graduated at the age of 19 or 20.

During this time he gave bay’ah to Hazrat Haji Imdaadullah al-Muhajir al-Makki via letter, and later renewed this pledge after graduating when he travelled for hajj with his father.

After graduating, he spent 14 years in Kanpur teaching, writing and propagating to the people. In 1315 AH, on the advice of Haji Imdaadullah he returned to Thana Bawan and established a Khanqah. Under his guidance, many luminaries were prepared including Mawlana Shabbir Ahmad Uthmani, Mawlana Zafar Ahmad Uthmani, Mawlana Maseehullah Khan, Mawlana Khair Muhammad Jalandhri, Mufti Shafi’ Uthmani and many others.

Having authored hundreds of works which continue to benefit the Muslims worldwide, Mawlana Ashraf ‘Ali Thanwi returned to his Lord on 16 Rajab 1362 AH. Having spent much of the 83 years of his life in the service of Deen, his funeral prayer was led by Mawlana Zafar Ahmad Uthmani and he was buried in the graveyard ‘ Ishq-Bazan in Thana Bawan.

May Allah SWT engulf him in His mercy and fill his resting place with Nur.

The Book:

Although the book was initially written for beginners, it consists of invaluable principles and reminders which will also certainly be of benefit to those who have formally studied.

The book is structured as follows:

• Brief Introduction

1. First Hidayah: The correct understanding of Tasawwuf and its stages.
2. Second Hidayah: The first essential step in Suluk is Tawbah.
3. Third Hidayah: The signs of a qualified Shaykh.
4. Fourth Hidayah: The true objective of the Saalik/Mureed.
5. Fifth Hidayah: The indivisible and inseparable nature of Shari’ah and Tariqah.
6. Sixth Hidayah: Different regimens which were prescribed by the author for different types of people. How to benefit from one’s regimen and the correct understanding of spiritual exercises.
7. Seventh Hidayah: The importance of ‘peace of mind’ for the Saalik and practical steps in attaining this.
8. Eighth Hidayah: Differentiating between volitional and non-volitional matters and how to approach each of them.
9. Ninth Hidayah: Common pitfalls and matters of caution.
10. Tenth Hidayah: General counsel and advice.

This edition, published by Nur Publications also consists of five valuable appendixes which have mostly been written by Shaykh Tameem Ahmadi.

1. An explanation of the Five branches of Shari’ah
2. The institution of Bay’ah
3. Gatherings of the Mawlid
4. The reality and ranks of the Awliya
5. Socialisation Vs. Seclusion

The Noble Muhammadan Litany in Arabic with its English translation has also been added.

Spanning just over 170 pages, the author has laid down foundational principles which will assist the Saalik to understand his journey and prepare him to reach his ultimate objective.