Overview of Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili
Imam and esteemed Muslim scholar Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili, born Ali bin Abdullah bin Abdul Jabbar bin Tamim bin Hurmaz bin Hatem bin Qusay bin Yusuf, came into this world in 591 AH in the Ghmara region of rural Morocco. He spent his early years in the Bani Zerwail area in northern Morocco before moving to Alexandria, where he resided for an extended period. In addition, he traveled to Palestine, Iraq, and the Levant before returning to Morocco. He passed away at the age of 63 in the desert of Aydbab while en route to the Holy Kaaba to perform Hajj in early Dhu al-Qi’dah of 656 AH.
Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili’s Journey
Despite being blind, Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili memorized the Holy Qur’an early in his life. He dedicated himself to Islamic jurisprudence, mastering it to the point where he could engage in scholarly debates. During his time in Alexandria, he garnered a significant following, spreading his Sufi beliefs and practices known as the “Shadhili” order throughout Egypt. He undertook several Hajj pilgrimages and had a notable encounter with Sheikh Abdul Salam bin Mushish in the city of Fez, Morocco. This meeting led him to become a devoted disciple under Sheikh Abdul Salam, who encouraged him to cultivate a deep love for God.
Key Works of Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili
Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili contributed a multitude of literary works, including:
- The Great Secret in the Properties of “Hasbunallahu wa Ni’mal Wakil.”
- A Treatise on the Etiquette of Sufism, organized by chapters.
- Nuzhat al-Qulub wa Baghiyyat al-Matlub.
- The Shadhili Litany (Hizb al-Shadhili).
- The Hizb of Victory.
- The Small Litany (Hizb al-Bahr).
- The Large Litany (Hizb al-Barr).
- The Prayer of Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili.
- The Letter of Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili.
- The Circle of the Masters (Circle of Sheikh Abu al-Hasan Ali al-Shadhili).
- The Consolation for the Azhar Community.
- The Virtues of the Shadhili Seekers.
- The Salutation of Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili.
- The Blessed Circle.
- Comfort and Patience Regarding Divine Judgments of the Arrogant.
- The Path to Allah Almighty.
- Evening Litany.
- Hizb of Intimacy.
- Hizb of Light.
- Hizb of Concealment.
- Hizb of Kindness.
- Hizb of Intercession.
- Hizb of Praise.
- Hizb of Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili.
- Commentary on the Poem of Experiencing the Taste of the Folk’s Drink.
- Hizb of Verses.
- Hizb of Lights.
- Hizb of Safety.
- Hizb of Secrets.
- Hizb of Forgiveness.
- Hizb of Concealment.
- The Path Leading to Allah.
Origin of the Name “Shadhili”
The reasons behind the designation of Abu al-Hasan as “al-Shadhili” are not explicitly detailed in prominent biographical texts. However, Dr. Abdul Halim Mahmoud suggested that the name “Shadhili,” with the emphasis on the ‘dh’ letter, signifies uniqueness in serving and loving Allah. Other reliable historical sources indicate that the name is derived from the region where he lived known as “Shadhila.”
Personal Life of Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili
Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili married during his time in Alexandria and fathered several children, including Shihab al-Din Ahmad, Abu al-Hasan Ali, Abu Abdullah Muhammad, and his daughter Zainab.