SULUK: The Book of Assistance
The Risalat al-Mu’awanah — “The Book of Assistance” — by Imam Abdallah ibn Alawi al-Haddad (1044–1132 AH / 1634–1720 CE) is one of the most widely studied and beloved texts in the history of Islamic spirituality. Written in the Hadrami city of Tarim, Yemen, this comprehensive guide to the Muslim spiritual life has lost none of its relevance or power in three hundred years of continuous use.
About Imam al-Haddad
Imam Abdallah ibn Alawi al-Haddad was born in Shibam, Hadramaut and lived most of his life in Tarim, the spiritual capital of the Ba‘Alawi tradition. Despite being blind from an early age, he became one of the most prolific and influential scholars in the history of Islam. His works — which include the Book of Assistance, the Book of Remembrances, and many others — continue to be studied around the world.
Imam al-Haddad is considered by many to have been the last great mujaddid (renewer) of the Islamic tradition. He died in 1132 AH (1720 CE), leaving behind a legacy of scholarship and spiritual guidance that continues to bear fruit today.
Structure of the Book of Assistance
The Book of Assistance is organized into 32 chapters, each addressing a specific dimension of the Islamic spiritual life:
- Certainty (yaqin) and the foundations of faith
- Watchfulness and mindfulness of Allah (muraqabah)
- Examination of the self (muhasaba)
- Patience (sabr) in all its forms
- Gratitude (shukr) for Allah’s boundless gifts
- Hope (raja’) in Allah’s mercy
- Fear (khawf) of Allah’s displeasure
- Love (mahabbah) for Allah and the Prophet ﷺ
- Trust in Allah (tawakkul) — reliance on His provision
- Sincerity (ikhlas) — acting for Allah’s sake alone
- The etiquette of seeking knowledge
- The importance of regular dhikr and prescribed du’as
How to Study the Book of Assistance
The scholars recommend approaching the Book of Assistance slowly and with intention. Unlike a textbook to be read quickly for information, this is a text for spiritual formation. Suggested approach:
- Read one chapter at a time, returning to it multiple times before moving on
- Keep a journal of reflections, questions, and insights that arise
- Discuss with others — a study circle (halaqa) is the ideal environment for studying this text
- Identify one teaching per chapter that you will actively try to implement in your life before moving to the next
- Pair reading with dhikr — the Book of Remembrances by the same author is the natural companion text
Availability and Resources
An English translation of the Book of Assistance is available through Islamic Texts Institute and other Islamic publishers. Commentary on the text is available in lecture format from various scholars. For a foundational understanding of the jurisprudential context of the spiritual life, we recommend pairing study of the Book of Assistance with a course on Fiqh: Essentials of Islam.
Explore our full Courses page for more resources.