• ‘The Boof Of Assistance’, Imam Abdallah Ibn Alawi Al-Haddad, translated by Mostafa Al-Badawi

The Book of Assistance, like all of Imam Al-Haddad’s writings, is very clearly and simply written, to the extent that even a young adult could read it and absorb its contents easily and quickly. It is meant to be a ‘travel guide’ for Muslims as they make the journey of their lives, and like all good travel guides, it is a book that can be used and consulted time and time again. As a reminder it serves its purpose really well, being neither lengthy nor too short to be of any use.

The Imam has begun each chapter by addressing the reader - and himself - with a "You must", to remind us of the importance of doing the things under discussion. For example, in the first chapter, On Certainty, he tells us that we must have certainty in the existence of Allah, and the Unseen World; but not only that, he also goes on to teach us how to increase in our certainty, the results of that certainty, and the grades of believers according to their degree of certainty. All his teachings are supported by verses from the Quran and relevant ahadith. For example, he uses the encouraging example of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) about whom the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘Satan is afraid of the shadow of Umar, and Umar never takes a road but that Satan takes another.’ That is the degree of certainty that Umar possessed, and may Allah help us to reach that level in our faith.

All the chapters in this book are concise and to the point, and full of methods and ways we can adopt and practice to increase our iman and improve our self. The book has been written in a very systematic and structured way, beginning with certainty and intentions (from where every act begins), going on to devotions and methods of self-improvement (relationship with self & private worship), leading to social behaviors (public worship), responsibilities and duties (relations with others), and ending finally with gratitude to Allah, reliance on Him and love for Him (relation with the Creator).

This book is so useful and easy to read that it should become textbook material in Muslim schools; I would recommend this book to everyone who wishes to improve the quality and strength of their faith.