Ma’arij Al-Qubool bi-Sharh Sulam Al-Wusool

Ma’arij Al-Qubool bi-Sharh Sulam Al-Wusool ila ‘Ilm Al-Usool

by Sheikh Hafidh ibn Ahmad Al-Hakami (d. 1377H)

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Part 1

Introduction to the Course

  • Outline of the lecture series and its goals.

Overview of the Book: Ma’arij al-Qabool (مَعَارِج القَبُول)

  • Introduction to the book, its author, and its significance in Islamic scholarship.
  • The relationship between the matn (مَتْن, core text) and its sharh (شَرْح, explanation).

Importance of Memorization in Seeking Knowledge (حفظ – Hifz)

  • The Islamic tradition of preserving knowledge through hifz (حِفْظ).
  • The role of precision in reciting and understanding key Islamic texts.

Structure and Content of Ma’arij al-Qabool (مَعَارِج القَبُول)

  • Explanation of the matn: Sulam al-Wusool (سُلَّم الوُصُول).
  • The thematic richness of the sharh: Evidences for matters of Aqeedah (عَقِيدَة) from the Qur’an (القُرْآن), Hadith (حديث), and statements of the Salaf (السَّلَف).

Thematic Emphasis in Aqeedah (عَقِيدَة)

  • The centrality of Tawheed (تَوْحِيد) in belief:
    • Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah (تَوْحِيد الأُلوهِيَّة – Oneness in Worship).
    • Tawheed al-Ruboobiyyah (تَوْحِيد الرُّبُوبِيَّة – Oneness in Lordship).
    • Tawheed al-Asma’ wa al-Sifaat (تَوْحِيد الأَسْمَاء وَالصِّفَات – Oneness in Names and Attributes).
  • Foundations of Iman (إِيمَان): The six pillars of faith (arkaan al-iman – أَرْكَان الإِيمَان).

Praising Allah (سبحانه وتعالى): Names and Attributes

  • Detailed discussion of Allah’s (الله) names and attributes (asmaa’ wa sifaat – أَسْمَاء وَصِفَات) as mentioned in the introduction.
  • Practical implications of understanding Allah’s names in worship and submission.

The Purpose of Creation

  • Understanding why Allah (الله) created humanity: Worship (ibaadah – عِبَادَة) and obedience (ta’ah – طَاعَة).
  • The connection between knowledge (ilm – عِلْم) and action (‘amal – عَمَل) in fulfilling this purpose.

Historical Deviations in Aqeedah (عَقِيدَة)

  • Overview of deviations among previous nations and their consequences.
  • Warnings from Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) regarding sectarianism.

Characteristics of the Saved Sect (الفرقة الناجية – al-Firqah al-Najiyah)

  • Definition of the saved group as those who adhere to the Qur’an (القُرْآن) and Sunnah (السُّنَّة) upon the understanding of the Sahabah (صَحَابَة, companions).
  • Key qualities of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah (أَهْل السُّنَّة وَالجَمَاعَة).

Role of Evidence in Aqeedah (عَقِيدَة)

  • The comprehensive use of Qur’anic verses and authentic Hadith (حديث) in matters of belief.
  • Encouragement to prioritize authentic sources and avoid innovations (bid’ah – بِدْعَة).

The Scholar’s Intention and Du’a (دُعَاء)

  • The author’s niyyah (نِيَّة, intention) behind writing the book.
  • Supplication for sincerity and devotion in seeking knowledge.

Methodology for Studying the Text

  • Memorizing the matn (مَتْن, text) for linguistic and conceptual understanding.
  • Combining theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Conclusion and Call to Action

  • The necessity of purifying one’s belief (aqeedah – عَقِيدَة) and aligning with the Qur’an (القُرْآن) and Sunnah (السُّنَّة).
  • Encouragement to remain steadfast and seek Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) guidance in learning and implementing the teachings.

Part 2

Importance of Seeking Knowledge

  • Virtue of attending gatherings of knowledge (majalis al-‘ilm – مَجَالِس العِلْم).

Introduction to the Text and Author

  • Overview of Sulam al-Wusool (سُلَّم الوُصُول) and its commentary Ma’arij al-Qabool (مَعَارِج القَبُول).
  • Author: Al-Hafidh Al-Hakami (رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّهُ) and his contributions to Islamic scholarship.

The Role of Bismillah (بِسْمِ اللَّهِ) in Islamic Practice

  • Explanation of beginning every act with “Bismillah” for blessings (barakah – بَرَكَة) and seeking Allah’s help (isti’ana – ٱسْتِعَانَة).
  • The deeper meaning of Allah’s name and its connection to worship (‘ibadah – عِبَادَة).

Detailed Explanation of Key Terms in the Opening Line

  • Abda’u (أَبْدَأُ): Starting with the name of Allah in every action.
  • Musta’eenan (مُسْتَعِينًا): Seeking help exclusively from Allah.
  • Radin bihi (رَاضٍ بِهِ): Being pleased with Allah’s decree (qada’ – قَضَاء).
  • Mudabbiran (مُدَبِّرًا): Acknowledging Allah as the manager of all affairs.
  • Mu’inan (مُعِينًا): Relying on Allah for assistance in all matters.

Praising Allah (Alhamdulillah – ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ)

  • Perfect praise of Allah for His guidance to the path of truth (sabeel al-haqq – سَبِيلِ الْحَقِّ).
  • Gratitude for being chosen (ijtiba – اجْتِبَاء) as Muslims.

The Concept of Gratitude (Shukr – شُكْر) and Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfar – اِسْتِغْفَار)

  • Distinction between hamd (حَمْد) and shukr (شُكْر).
  • Seeking forgiveness for one’s shortcomings in actions (masawi al-‘amal – مَسَاوِي العَمَل).

Reliance on Allah (Tawakkul – تَوَكُّل) and His Decree

  • Requesting Allah’s help to attain His pleasure (ridha – رِضَا).
  • Recognizing Allah’s subtle kindness (lutf – لُطْف) in all decrees.

Introduction to the Declaration of Faith (Shahadah – شَهَادَة)

  • Affirming the oneness of Allah and sincerity in worship (ikhlas – إِخْلَاص).
  • The central role of the Shahadah in Islamic belief.

Part 3

Introduction

  • Explanation of key Arabic terms like “Wa Ba’du” (وَبَعْدُ) and its linguistic significance.

Testimony of Faith (Shahadat al-Ikhlas – شَهَادَةُ الْإِخْلَاصِ)

  • The meaning and implications of declaring that none is worthy of worship except Allah.
  • Importance of sincerity (Ikhlas – إخْلَاص) in worship and its connection to Tawheed (monotheism).

Attributes of Allah (Sifaat Allah – صِفَاتُ اللَّهِ)

  • Allah’s perfection and freedom from deficiency (Ayb – عَيْبٌ) or imperfection (Nuqsan – نُقْصَانٌ).
  • Explanation of divine exclusivity in worship and attributes.

The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) as the Best of Creation

  • Affirmation of Prophet Muhammad’s status as the greatest of Allah’s creation.
  • His role in bringing guidance (Huda – هُدًى) and clear evidence (Bayyinat – بَيِّنَاتٌ) to all of humanity.

The Universality of Prophet Muhammad’s Message

  • The Prophet’s mission as a mercy and guidance for all mankind.
  • The concept of light (Nur – نُورٌ) in divine revelation and its connection to the Quran and Islam.

Sending Salutations upon the Prophet (Salah – صَلَاةٌ)

  • Explanation of sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet and its significance in Islamic practice.
  • Clarification of the terms “Salla Allahu Alayhi” (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ) and “Wa Majjada” (وَمَجَّدَ).

Definition of Ahlul-Bayt (أَهْلُ الْبَيْتِ) and Al-Al (آلُ)

  • Clarifying the terms “Ahl” and “Al” in reference to the Prophet’s family and followers.
  • Discussion on the inclusivity of “Al” to encompass the Prophet’s family, companions, and sincere followers.

The Companions of the Prophet (Sahabah – صَحَابَةٌ)

  • Who qualifies as a Sahabi and their esteemed status in Islam.
  • Importance of believing in and respecting the Prophet’s companions as role models of faith.

Conclusion: Sincerity and Patience in Learning

  • Encouragement for sincerity (Ikhlas) in seeking Islamic knowledge.
  • Patience and perseverance in understanding and practicing the teachings of Islam.

Part 4

Understanding the Pillars of Faith (Arkan al-Iman – أركان الإيمان)

  • Explanation of belief in Allah (الإيمان بالله), His angels (الملائكة), His books (الكتب), His messengers (الرسل), the Last Day (اليوم الآخر), and predestination (القدر).

Foundations of Islam (Usul al-Islam – أصول الإسلام)

  • Detailed discussion of the five pillars: Shahadah (الشهادة), Salah (الصلاة), Zakah (الزكاة), Sawm (الصوم), and Hajj (الحج).

The Importance of Sincerity (Ikhlas – إخلاص)

  • Emphasis on performing acts of worship solely for the sake of Allah.
  • The connection between sincerity and success in both dunya and akhirah.

Recognizing the Attributes of Allah (Sifaat Allah – صفات الله)

  • Allah’s perfection, transcendence, and freedom from deficiency.
  • How understanding Allah’s attributes strengthens faith.

The Covenant with Allah (Al-Mithaq – الميثاق)

  • Reflection on the primordial covenant between Allah and mankind.
  • Its relevance to our daily lives and ultimate accountability.

The Purpose of Creation (Hikmat al-Khalq – حكمة الخلق)

  • Clarification that mankind was created to worship Allah (عبادة).
  • Refutation of purposelessness in creation.

Reliance on Allah (Tawakkul – توكل)

  • Encouragement to depend on Allah in all endeavors.
  • Discussion on the concept of Allah as Al-Qadir (القادر) and Al-Baqi (الباقي).

Challenges in the Path of Knowledge (Talab al-Ilm – طلب العلم)

  • Overcoming obstacles in seeking Islamic knowledge.
  • Maintaining patience and sincerity while learning.

The Reality of Accountability (Hisab – حساب)

  • Preparing for the Day of Judgment through righteous deeds.
  • The contrast between the rewards of believers and the consequences for disbelievers.

The Role of Reflection (Tafakkur – تفكر)

  • Encouragement to reflect on Allah’s creation as a means to strengthen faith.
  • Verses highlighting the wisdom behind the creation of the heavens and the earth.

Exalting Allah Above All Deficiency (Tanzeeh – تنزيه)

  • Affirmation of Allah’s transcendence and perfection.
  • Rejecting any notion of weakness or imperfection in Allah’s essence and actions.

The Justice of Allah (Adl Allah – عدل الله)

  • How Allah’s justice ensures ultimate recompense for every action.
  • The distinction between the righteous and the wicked in the Hereafter.

Encouragement for Steadfastness in Worship

  • Remaining consistent in obedience to Allah despite worldly distractions.
  • The significance of aligning one’s life with the purpose of worship.

Part 5

Human Purpose and Wisdom of Creation

  • Explanation of the verse: “Did you think that We had created you in play?” (23:115).
  • Clarification of creation’s purpose: Worship (Ibadah – عبادة) of Allah.

Tawheed (توحيد) and Avoidance of Shirk (شرك)

  • Defining Tawheed as the oneness of Allah in Uluhiyyah (ألوهية), Rububiyyah (ربوبية), and Asma wa Sifat (أسماء وصفات).
  • Shirk as the greatest injustice and its types.
  • Consequences of Shirk on deeds and faith.

Allah’s Command and Human Accountability

  • Allah’s commands (Amr – أمر) and prohibitions.
  • Relationship between Shari’ah (شرعية) and accountability in this life (Dar Al-Amal – دار العمل).
  • Resurrection and judgment in the hereafter.

The Role of Jinn and Mankind

  • Understanding the verse: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (51:56).
  • The meaning of worship as a comprehensive act pleasing to Allah.

The Two Wills of Allah

  • Differentiating between Mashiah Kawniyyah (مشيئة كونية) and Mashiah Shariyyah (مشيئة شرعية).
  • How human actions fit within these two decrees.

Definition of Worship (Ibadah – عبادة)

  • Comprehensive explanation of Ibadah.
  • Actions, speech, and intentions that Allah loves and approves.
  • Internal (Baatinah – باطنة) and external (Zahirah – ظاهرة) aspects of worship.

The Importance of Sincerity and Purity in Worship

  • Avoiding associating partners with Allah in any form.
  • Purifying intentions for the sake of Allah alone.

Lessons from the Early Generations (Salaf – سلف)

  • Statements of the Sahabah and Tabi’een on the purpose of creation and worship.
  • Reflections from Tafsir works like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari.

Practical Implementation of Worship

  • Balancing obligations and free will in worship.
  • How to incorporate sincerity and humility into daily acts.

Conclusion and Key Points for Reflection

  • Summarizing the central themes of worship, sincerity, and purpose.
  • Encouragement to internalize and practice the discussed principles.

Part 6

Definition and Purpose of Al-Ibadah (العبادة)

  • Understanding Ibadah (العبادة) as the core purpose of creation.
  • Explanation of the Qur’anic verse: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me” (Surah Adh-Dhariyat [الذاريات], 51:56).

The Creation of Adam (عليه السلام) and His Offspring

  • How Allah created all humans from the loins of Adam (عليه السلام).
  • The significance of human beings witnessing their covenant with Allah.

The Covenant (Al-Mithaq, الميثاق)

  • Explanation of the covenant taken from Adam’s offspring.
  • The ayah in Surah Al-A’raf (الأعراف) [7:172]: “Am I not your Lord?” (Alastu bi Rabbikum? [ألست بربكم]).
  • The implications of this testimony in Rububiyyah (ربوبية – Lordship) and Uluhiyyah (ألوهية – Worship).

The Fitnah (فتنة) of Forgetfulness and Deviation

  • How humans forgot the covenant due to environmental and societal influences.
  • The role of messengers in reviving the original covenant (Mithaq, ميثاق).

Evidences from the Qur’an and Sunnah

  • Detailed examination of ayat (آيات) and ahadith (أحاديث) supporting Al-Mithaq (الميثاق).
  • Insights from Surah Al-A’raf (الأعراف) and authentic narrations from the Prophet ﷺ.

The Role of Fitrah (الفطرة)

  • Fitrah (الفطرة) as the innate disposition toward the oneness of Allah (Tawheed, توحيد).
  • The hadith: “Every child is born upon the Fitrah (الفطرة)…” (Sahih Muslim, صحيح مسلم).

The Three Covenants in Islamic Theology

  • The Mithaq al-Awwal (الميثاق الأول) – The First Covenant with Adam’s offspring.
  • The Mithaq al-Fitrah (ميثاق الفطرة) – Innate disposition to recognize Allah.
  • The Mithaq al-Risalah (ميثاق الرسالة) – Covenant renewed through messengers and revelations.

Practical Implications of Al-Mithaq (الميثاق)

  • How the covenant influences accountability in the Hereafter (Akhirah, الآخرة).
  • The impact of the covenant on da’wah (دعوة) and human actions.

Part 7

Introduction: The Covenant of Al-Mithaq

  • Definition of Al-Mithaq (الميثاق): The covenant Allah took from the progeny of Adam (عليه السلام).
  • Fitrah (الفطرة): Innate acknowledgment of Allah’s Lordship and worthiness of worship.

Allah’s Mercy in Sending Messengers

  • Explanation of how messengers (Rusul – رُسُل) remind humanity of the innate covenant.
  • The relationship between the Mithaq and the revelation of divine books.

The Role of Revelation

  • The Book (الكتاب): Sent with truth (Bil-Haqq – بالحق), emphasizing its divine origin.
  • Literary nuances in divine language (e.g., patterns in Qur’anic and poetic forms).

The Wisdom Behind Messengers and Revelation

  • Renewal of the Covenant: Reviving what is already embedded in human nature.
  • Hujjah (الحجة): Establishing evidence for or against people, leaving no excuse for shirk.

The Nature of Divine Evidence

  • Analogies to strengthen understanding:
    • Metal stamping as a metaphor for the irrefutable authority of divine proof.
  • Allah’s unmatched authority (Azza wa Jal – عز وجل).

Glad Tidings and Warnings

  • Messengers as Mubashshirin (مبشرين) (bearers of glad tidings) and Munthirin (منذرين) (warners).
  • Examples of those excused (e.g., those who were deaf, insane, or isolated).

The Final Messenger and Universal Message

  • Role of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ): The seal of messengers, sent as a mercy to all creation (Rahmatan lil-Alamin – رحمةً للعالمين).
  • Universal scope of his message, removing any excuses for ignorance.

The Covenant Through History

  • Three stages of Mithaq (الميثاق):
    1. The original covenant taken from Adam’s progeny.
    2. The innate fitrah within every human being.
    3. The reminder through messengers and revelation.

Two Paths: Response to Divine Guidance

  • Believers: Those who uphold the covenant and follow divine guidance.
  • Disbelievers: Those who oppose and reject the truth, inheriting punishment.

The Continuous Need for Reflection

  • Benefits of revisiting topics over multiple sessions for comprehension and application.

Part 8

Overview of the Covenants (العهود – Al-ʿUhūd)

  • Explanation of the three covenants (الميثاق – Al-Mīthāq) Allah (SWT) took from humanity:
    • Pre-creation covenant in the realm of souls (عالم الأرواح – ʿĀlam al-Arwāḥ).
    • Innate recognition of Allah’s Lordship at birth (الفطرة – Al-Fiṭrah).
    • Covenant reinforced through the messengers and scriptures.

Belief in the Messengers and Scriptures

  • The conditions for fulfilling the covenant: belief in the messengers (الرسل – Al-Rusul) and divine books (الكتب – Al-Kutub).
  • The consequences of rejecting the message and disbelieving.

Types of Disbelief (الكفر – Al-Kufr)

  • Categories of disbelief, focusing on turning away (الإعراض – Al-Iʿrāḍ) and refusal (الإباء – Al-Ibāʾ) of divine guidance.
  • Verses explaining the characteristics of disbelievers and their fate.

Characteristics of the Believers

  • Attributes of those who uphold Allah’s covenant, including:
    • Maintaining relationships (صلة الأرحام – Ṣilat al-Arḥām).
    • Patience (الصبر – Al-Ṣabr).
    • Establishing prayer (إقامة الصلاة – Iqāmat al-Ṣalāh).
    • Giving in charity openly and secretly.
    • Repelling evil with good deeds.

The Fate of the Two Groups

  • Comparison between the believers’ reward in Paradise (جنة عدن – Jannat ʿAdn) and the disbelievers’ punishment in Hellfire (جهنم – Jahannam).
  • Emphasis on Allah’s justice and mercy.

Reflection on Allah’s Wisdom and Justice

  • Praising Allah’s perfect wisdom (حكمة – Ḥikmah) and absolute justice (عدل – ʿAdl).
  • Reminder of Tawḥīd and reliance on Allah (لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله – Lā Ḥawla wa Lā Quwwata Illā Billāh).

Introduction to Tawḥīd (التوحيد – Al-Tawḥīd)

  • Preview of the upcoming discussion on the categories of Tawḥīd:
    • Rubūbiyyah (ربوبية) – Lordship.
    • Ulūhiyyah (ألوهية) – Worship.
    • Asmāʾ wa Ṣifāt (أسماء وصفات) – Names and Attributes.
  • Clarification on deriving these principles from Qur’an and Sunnah.

Conclusion and Reminders

  • Encouragement to memorize and reflect upon the discussed content.

Part 9

Purpose of Creation

  • Explanation of why Allah created humanity and their obligations toward Him.
  • The significance of Tawheed (oneness of Allah) in creation.

The Two Types of Tawheed

  • Tawheed al-Maʿrifah wa al-Ithbaat (توحيد المعرفة والإثبات):
    Knowledge of Allah’s Lordship (Rububiyyah) and His Names and Attributes (Asmaʾ wa Sifat).
  • Tawheed al-Talab wa al-Qasd (توحيد الطلب والقصد):
    Directing acts of worship solely to Allah (Uluhiyyah).

Tawheed al-Maʿrifah wa al-Ithbaat Explained

  • Understanding Allah’s Lordship (Rububiyyah): Allah as the Creator, Sustainer, and Maintainer of all.
  • Affirmation of Allah’s perfect Names and Attributes.
  • Avoiding resemblance (Tamthil), negation (Ta’til), and association (Shirk).

Tawheed al-Talab wa al-Qasd Explained

  • The essence of worship (Ibadah) directed only to Allah.
  • Purity of intention (Ikhlas), love (Mahabbah), reliance (Tawakkul), and fear (Khawf) of Allah.
  • Recognizing the exclusivity of Allah in all acts of devotion.

Tawheed in the Qur’an

  • How the Qur’an emphasizes Tawheed in its entirety.
  • Verses affirming Allah’s attributes, acts of worship, and commands.
  • Consequences of adhering to or opposing Tawheed.

The Necessity of Belief in the Creator

  • Rational proofs of Allah’s existence and His role as Creator.
  • Refutation of the idea of self-creation or creation from nothing.

Lessons from the Creation of the Universe and Humans

  • Reflecting on the signs of Allah in the heavens and earth.
  • The stages of human creation as evidence of Allah’s power.

The Rewards of Tawheed

  • Honoring the people of Tawheed in this life and the hereafter.
  • The ultimate success: entry into Jannah.

The Consequences of Shirk (شرك)

  • Punishment for associating partners with Allah in this life and the hereafter.
  • Shirk as the greatest sin and its opposition to the essence of Islam.

The Role of Messengers in Establishing Tawheed

  • The primary message of all prophets: calling to Tawheed.
  • How the messengers began with affirming Allah’s oneness and forbidding Shirk.

Summary of the Qur’anic Focus on Tawheed and Shirk

  • Six essential themes of the Qur’an regarding Tawheed and its rights versus Shirk and its consequences.

Conclusion and Call to Reflection

  • Importance of internalizing the meanings of Tawheed.
  • Reflecting on the oneness of Allah as a foundation for faith and action.

Part 10

Categories of Tawheed

  • Tawheed al-Ma‘rifah wa al-Ithbāt (توحيد المعرفة والإثبات): Knowing Allah through His existence, attributes, and actions
  • Tawheed al-Uloohiyyah (توحيد الألوهية): Affirming Allah as the only One worthy of worship

The Evidences of Tawheed al-Ma‘rifah wa al-Ithbāt

  • Reflections from Surah adh-Dhariyat (51:47-49):
    • Creation of the heavens and the earth
    • Balance and purpose in creation
    • Creation of pairs in all things as signs of Allah’s greatness

Misinterpretations and Clarity in Understanding the Quran

  • Addressing the concept of the earth being “spread out” (فراشناها)
  • Importance of context in interpreting verses
  • Clarifications on terms like “Aid” (power) versus “Yad” (hand)

Reflecting on Signs in Nature

  • Examples from Surah al-Baqarah (2:164):
    • The heavens and the earth
    • Alternation of night and day
    • The movement of ships, rain, and provisions

Understanding the Purpose of Creation

  • Human beings created as a reflection of Allah’s power
  • The diversity in creation: colors, languages, and characteristics
  • Lessons of Tawheed from human differences

Lessons from Surah ar-Rum (30:20-25)

  • Creation of mankind from dust and water
  • Signs in the relationship between spouses: love and mercy
  • Reflections on sleep, daily work, and sustenance as acts of divine order
  • Alternation of day and night, wind, and rain as proofs of Allah’s mercy

Unity in the Creation of Allah

  • Consistency in universal laws (e.g., orbits of the sun and moon)
  • Evidence of divine wisdom in the balance and harmony of creation

The Quran as the Ultimate Source of Evidence

  • The Quran’s superiority over philosophical reasoning
  • Reflection as an act of worship
  • Importance of aligning understanding with the Quran

Concluding Reflections

  • Allah’s creation as self-evident proof of His existence
  • The need for humility in recognizing human dependence on Allah
  • Encouragement to reflect deeply on the signs of Allah for increased faith

 

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