Key Works of Ibn Al-Qayyim on Ethics
Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyya, may Allah have mercy on him, made significant contributions in various fields, including Islamic jurisprudence, foundations of religion, the biography of the Prophet, and purposes of legislation. Therefore, it is essential for any student of knowledge to have these works in their library due to their importance. Below are some of Ibn Al-Qayyim’s notable writings on ethics:
- Book of the Patience of the Patient and the Treasure of the Grateful
This book is dedicated to discussing the virtue of patience, including its definition, categories, and the verses from the Qur’an, authentic hadiths, as well as statements from the companions and successors regarding patience. Ibn Al-Qayyim connects the concept of patience with real-life situations, discussing concepts such as beautiful patience and false piety, while citing numerous examples from the Sunnah of the Prophet on enduring life’s challenges. He emphasizes that this world is merely a transit point that requires long-term patience to reach the everlasting abode.
- Steps of the Seekers between You Alone We Worship and You Alone We Ask for Help
This is one of Ibn Al-Qayyim’s finest contributions to the discourse on ethics. The book delves into the refinement of souls and the cultivation of the attributes of the sincere and devout. In this work, the esteemed Imam highlights that one cannot attain perfection without beneficial knowledge, which should be followed by righteous actions. This, he asserts, is essential for individual integrity, higher spiritual character, and the purity of one’s soul from trivial matters.
Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyya
Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyya is one of the most renowned scholars in the Islamic nation, notable among jurists and religious scholars as one of the leading figures who studied under Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him. He inherited a wealth of knowledge from him and accompanied him for a long period during intellectual battles that resulted in their imprisonment, due to opinions that contradicted those of their rulers. However, history will never forget the contributions of these two scholars, Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyya, may Allah have mercy upon them.
Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyya, whose full name is Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr Al-Zar’i, gained prominence in the eighth century of the Hijra. He is known as Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyya because of his father, who served as the superintendent of the Al-Jawziyya school in Damascus, which led to him being referred to by this name.
Ethics in Islam
Ethics in Islam encompasses a collection of rules, principles, and behaviors prescribed by Allah Almighty to govern human conduct in a way that fulfills the divine purpose behind creating humans. It ensures that human life operates within the bounds of Islamic living, establishing a framework for interactions with Allah, oneself, and society.
Furthermore, ethics are not merely an Islamic aim; rather, they are a celestial goal that has been advocated by all previous messengers for the elevation of human beings and the refinement of their souls. When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) arrived, he declared: “Indeed, I was sent to perfect noble character.” The essence of his mission was to enhance moral excellence and rectify behaviors since the foundation of the Islamic faith is rooted in good character.