Haddad’s Lives of Man: Passing Through the Stages of Human Existence
Haddad’s Lives of Man: Passing Through the Stages of Human Existence
This is a Level One course based on the amazing work of Imam ‘Abdullah bin ‘Alawi al-Haddad titled Lives of Man. Imam Haddad was a late 17th, early 18th-century scholar and sage from the city of Tarim, in the Hadramawt valley of South Yemen. The text answers two existential and essential questions that every Human asks themselves at some point in their life, ‘Where did I come from?’ and ‘Where am I going?’ Every Muslim, young or old, should take this course for without answers to these fundamental questions to life, one will be hindered in the pursuit and attainment of life’s purpose. Knowing the ‘Why’ makes accomplishing the ‘What’ easier and more worthwhile. All this in hopes to achieve the ultimate success of Allah’s sweet eternal contentment and nearness. This class touches on and clarifies important issues relating to the Muslim’s beliefs. Furthermore, it contains great knowledge pertinent to one’s spiritual journey in seeking nearness to Allah Most High. For this reason, beginning students, alongside intermediate and advanced students should have a study of this amazing work. That said, it fits nicely in the learning objectives of each level of study. We hope to accomplish a fundamental knowledge of the five stages that humans pass through from the beginning of their existence as souls not yet embodied up till they are situated in one of the two final abodes: Paradise or Hell-Fire. Additionally, we will seek to clarify what the Human must do in order to prepare for death and achieve the greatest success in this world and those to come. And only from Allah is the ultimate success.