The Khasa'is genre of literature revolves around the unique characteristics and distinctive features of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The term khasa'is is derived from the Arabic language, meaning "unique characteristics" or "distinctive features." This genre of literature aims to celebrate and elevate the status of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by emphasizing his exceptional qualities and the special relationship he held with Allah. Khasa’is constitutes a significant part of Islamic scholarly tradition, as it focuses on the life, virtues, and miracles of the Prophet.
The Khasa'is literature emerged as a distinct genre in the early Islamic period, with scholars and theologians dedicating their works to exploring and narrating the extraordinary aspects of the Prophet's ﷺ life. These works often drew from various sources, including the Quran, Hadith, and historical accounts, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Prophet's exemplary life ﷺ.
By Habib Umar Bin Hafiz; Translation by Amin Buxton
Courtesy of Manaqib Press; Excerpt taken from Removal of Distress Through the Mention of the Names of the Noble Masters: the People of Badr & the Martyrs of Uhud
In the name of Allah, The Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
All praise be to Allah, Who originated all things and brought them into existence; Who created and fashioned all things; Who decreed and ordained all things; Who arranged and ordered all things; Who chose to bring forward certain things and to delay others; Who chose to hide certain things and manifest others; Who chose to reveal certain things and conceal others; Who chose to unveil certain things and veil others; Who purifies and cleanses whoever He wishes; Who chooses and selects whoever He wishes; Who clarifies and enlightens; Who guides and facilitates; Who forbids and commands; Who encouraged certain things and cautioned against others; Who warned and gave good tidings on the tongue of His Beloved, the Most Pure, the Chosen One from the tribe of Muḍar.
Know that giving zakat comprises one of the religion’s principal pillars, for the Prophet ﷺ said,
‘The foundations of Islam are five principles: the testimony of faith, prayer, zakat, fasting, and pilgrimage.’
Moreover, it is reported that,
‘Those who possess gold and silver, yet refuse to pay zakat, a piercing mark will be placed on their chests. And those who possess cattle, but fail to pay the requisite zakat, on the Day of Judgement, the quadrupeds will set upon and trample them endlessly.’
These reports are mentioned in the Sahihayn, therefore, those who possess wealth are impelled to gain knowledge of zakat for it comprises an obligation.
Allah (Exalted is He) has said,
“Indeed, Allah and His Angels send prayers upon the Prophet. O you who be- lieve! Send prayers upon him and extend him a worthy salutation”
(al-Aḥzāb, 33:56).
Ibn ‘Abbas said,
“The meaning (of this verse) is that Allah and His Angels bless the Prophet ﷺ.”
It has also been said that it means,
“Indeed, Allah has mercy upon His Prophet ﷺ, and the Angels supplicate for him.”
Al-Mubrid said,
“The root meaning of ṣalāh (prayers) is to show mercy. Thus, (prayers) from Allah are mercy and prayers from the Angels are compassion and seeking for Allah to have mercy (on the person).”
O beloved! Know that fasting is a pillar from the pillars of Islam. The Prophet ﷺ stated, ‘Allah ﷻ says: I grant from ten to seven hundred rewards in return for a good deed. But fasting is Mine, and I grant its recompense.’
And Allah ﷻ said:
إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى ٱلصَّـٰبِرُونَ أَجْرَهُم بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍۢ
'"...Only those who endure patiently will be given their reward without limit."'
(al-Zumar, 39:10)
Indeed, the reward of one who exercises patience over appetence shall surpass all limits. The Prophet ﷺ related, ‘Patience comprises one-half of faith, and fasting encompasses one-half of patience.’
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ON PILGRIMAGE (HAJJ)
O beloved!
Know that the pilgrimage comprises one of the core foundations of Islam and counts as the worship of a lifetime.
The Prophet ﷺ announced,
Besides, the Prophet ﷺ said: