Allah Walon Ki Batein

Hilyat al-Awliya: An Encyclopedia of Early Islamic Spirituality

Hilyat al-Awliya wa Tabaqat al-Asfiya is a foundational and authoritative text in Islamic biographical literature, often translated as Stories of the Friends of Allah. Authored by the renowned scholar Imam Ahmad bin Abdullah al-Isfahani al-Shafi’i (d. 1038 CE), this work spans ten volumes and remains indispensable for students of Islamic history and spiritual development (Tazkiyah).

Content Highlights:

• Biographical Depth: The book covers the biographies and anecdotes of more than 800 eminent personalities, starting from the Rightly Guided Caliphs and progressing through generations of pious Muslims.
• Focus on Asceticism (Zuhd): It places special emphasis on the virtues, spiritual states, wisdom, and practices of early Muslim ascetics and Sufis, tracing the lineage of Islamic spirituality.
• Historical Source: It is one of the most significant early sources providing detailed insight into the lives, sayings, and virtues of the first three generations of Islam, serving as a pillar for later biographical compilations.
• Spiritual Upliftment: A book that provides immense spiritual motivation, encouraging readers to emulate the exemplary piety and detachment from worldly concerns demonstrated by the Awliya.