Imam Haddad’s Manual on Good Manners: Adab Suluk al-Murid Explained
Start date Thursday, 23 September 2021
Instructor: Ustadh Omar Popal
Course Overview
Do you ever feel unorganized or confused in trying to get close to Allah Most High? This course serves as a practical study in the science of drawing closer to Allah Most High (Ilm al-Suluk). It is based on the treatise, Good Manners of the Spiritual Disciple's Wayfaring (Suluk al-Murid) by Imam Haddad.
Take this course to not only understand the main duties required for the Muslim who hopes to draw closer to his Creator but also to ensure that one’s beginning is grounded and firm. This course will clarify the core terminology and concepts found in the larger books of Islamic Spirituality (Tasawwuf).
The Author, Imam Haddad, was known for his simple yet profound discourse. This course is a stepping stone to understanding the larger books in Islamic Spirituality such as Imam Ghazali’s Revival of the Religious Sciences and Imam Haddad’s The Book of Assistance.
About the Text
The Treatise on the Good Manners of the Spiritual Disciple's Wayfaring or Adab Suluk al-Murid is a manual written for anyone who desires to return or draw closer to Allah Most High. It was written by the noble scholar and pillar of guidance, Imam Abdullah ibn Alawi al-Haddad. Imam Haddad composed this work in response to one of his students who requested summarized instruction in regards to the good manners required in drawing close to Allah Most High. Although it is short in size, this text offers both the beginning and advanced seeker practical advice and instruction. Every lesson can be applied in one’s life immediately.
About the Author
Imam Abdullah ibn Alawi al-Haddad was born on the 5th of Safar 1044 AH. He died on the 7th of Dzulqa’dah 1132 AH.
The Imam was known for his immense concern for the Nation of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his books reflect this. Imam Haddad was a scholar in all of the Islamic Sciences but well known for his renewal in the science of Islamic Spirituality & calling to Allah Most High (Dawa).
Some of the main works he authored are The Book of Assistance, The Lives of Man, The Book of Mutual Reminding, and A Diwan or Book of Poetry.
Who is This Course For?
• This course is for Adults and Young Adults.
• It is particularly beneficial for all Muslims wanting to better themselves.
• This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in learning how to practically implement spiritual wayfaring in their life.
• It is a General Level course. There are no prerequisites required to successfully complete this course.
Study Effort
• 1 Hour of Live Class & 1 Hour of Review
• Recommended reading/ Supplementary texts: Imam al-Ghazali’s the Beginning of Guidance
Learning Outcomes
• Articulate what it really means to draw close to Allah Most High.
• Understand how to remain on the path to Allah Most High in all situations of life.
• Memorize the terms and concepts found in larger books of Islamic Spirituality.
• Analyze and Appreciate the various duties for the one who seeks their Creator.
• Apply all the instructions found in the book immediately.
Course Outline
Lesson 1: Introduction & Biography of The Author - Introduction to Class, Biography of Author, and The Imam’s Introduction.
Lesson 2: The Beginning of the Path and Repentance - A discussion on the reality of the beginning of the path to Allah, how to ensure one stays on it, a study of repentance (tawba).
Lesson 3: Guarding the Heart, Senses & Limbs - A Study of wholly protecting ourselves from inward and outward evils along with learning not to be deceived by the material world.
Lesson 4: Purity, Hunger, and Directing One's Attention to Allah Most High - The need to remain upon ritual purity, preferring hunger over satiety and guarding one's time.
Lesson 5: Prayer, Remembrance & Reflection - How to be present with Allah Most High in prayer, adopting a strict policy of supererogatory prayers, and persevering in Remembrance and Reflection.
Lesson 6: The Cure to Laziness and Love of Sin - How to guard ourselves against being lazy and removing the love of transgression from our hearts.
Lesson 7: Patience & The Various States of the Soul - Learning the various stages that the self (nafs) goes through and what to do in each stage.
Lesson 8: The Good Manners dealing with Provision & Poverty - Learning how to draw close to Allah Most High whether one is granted immense wealth or not.
Lesson 9: The Good Manners in Dealing with People - Learning how to respond to people who blame you for your religiosity.
Lesson 10: Contentment & What the Seeker Should Avoid - The necessity of being content with what Allah Most High has given you, refraining from desiring miracles, and knowing the unseen.
Lesson 11: The Good Manners with One’s Teacher & The Attributes of a Righteous Teacher - How one should behave with their teacher, what are the qualities to look for in a true teacher.
Lesson 12: The Imam’s Closing Comments - Reading through the advice of the Imam on what to be aware of while traveling to Allah Most High.
About the Instructor
Ustadh Omar Popal was born and raised in northern Virginia. He began studying the Islamic sciences at the age of 16, devoting himself to memorization of the Quran at Madrasah In‘aamiyyah in Durban, South Africa. His pursuit of knowledge led him to study at Madinatul Uloom in Virginia and Dar al-Qasim in Chicago. In a commitment to lifelong learning, he has continued his studies sitting at the feet of various scholars, most recently spending time in Istanbul for intensive studies.
Ustadh Omar’s formative studies took place at Dar al-Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen.
Ustadh Omar has taught Arabic and Islamic studies at several mosques and institutes in northern Virginia. In 2018, he founded Tanwir Institute, with the mission of serving the educational and spiritual needs of the large Muslim population in the DC metropolitan area. He teaches Arabic and Islamic studies at Al-Maqasid.
Number of Lessons:
8 Lessons
Total Duration:
6 hrs 48 mins