The Heavenly Dispute

Author: Ibn Rajab Al Hanbali
Publisher: Dar as Sunnah Publishers
Pages: 159
Binding: Softcover
ISBN: 1-904336-54-X

About the Book:
This is another classical work of Imam Al-Hafidh Ibn Rajab in the English language. It is an important commentary on the noble hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that was recorded in the collection of Sunan Tirmidhi relating the dispute among the chief Angels of the Highest Heaven. The dispute arose about deeds that expiate sin and raise a person’s rank in the Hereafter.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said of this hadith, “Indeed, it is the truth, so study and learn it.” Therefore it is necessary for every Muslim to take an extra keen interest in learning its lessons, understanding its values and applying its highly prized recommendations.

The esteemed author beautifully explains the hadith in details and highlights the importance of enacting righteous deeds by which Allah wipes out with them, sins and wrongdoings, while elevating a person to higher degrees on the Day of Judgment. The hadith also comprises great supplications that the Prophet (saw) was given in the lofty encounter with his Lord; all of which occurred when he all of a sudden felt drowsy until asleep overtook him during the night prayer.

He additionally discusses concepts of dreams and miracles, the excellence of ablution and performing it well, performing prayer in congregation, the night prayer, walking to the Masjid, feeding the poor and one’s neighbours, right etiquette in speaking, having humility and contentment, enjoining the love of Allah and increasing it for purpose of drawing closer to Him.

This work motivates people to go beyond fulfilling their roles as Muslims by not taking seemingly smaller actions for granted. The spiritual dimension to these actions will add to the aspirations in our increased servitude to Allah. Every Muslim is, therefore, in need of this precious advice that aims to leave a lasting positive impact on all those who come to embrace its contents.

About The Author:
Imam Ibn Rajab al Hanbali (736 – 795 AH) was the noble Imaam, the Haafidh, the Critic, Zayn-ud-Deen Abdur-Rahmaan bin Ahmad bin Abdir-Rahmaan bin al-Hasan bin Muhammad bin Abil-Barakaat Masood As-Salaamee Al-Baghdaadee (due to his place of birth), Al-Hanbalee (due to his madh-hab), Ad-Dimashqee (due to his place of residence and death). His kunyah was Abul-Faraj, and his nickname was Ibn Rajab, which was the nickname of his grandfather who was born in that month (of Rajab).

He was born in Baghdad in 736H and was raised by a knowledgeable family, firmly rooted in knowledge, nobility and righteousness. His father played the greatest role in directing him towards beneficial knowledge.

Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab, may Allaah have mercy on him, was deeply attached to the works of Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah, for he would issue legal rulings according to them and would constantly reference his books.

This is since he served as a student under Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, the most outstanding student of Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah, may Allah have mercy on all of them. But in spite of this, he (rahimahullaah) was not a blind follower or a fanatical adherent (to his teacher). Rather, he would review, authenticate, verify and follow the evidence.

Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab, may Allaah have mercy on him passed to the realm of the Akhira in Ramadaan, 795H in Damascus.