Book by Imam Abdullah ibn Alawi al-Haddad
The Sowsee Summary of Mutual Reminders & Good Manners by Imam Al-Haddad distills the timeless wisdom of this Islamic classic, offering profound spiritual insights on faith, sincerity, and self-purification, with actionable steps to deepen your connection with God and live a life of righteousness.
In this profound work, Imam Al-Haddad delves into the spiritual heart of Islam, offering a two-part guide on cultivating taqwa (God-consciousness) and refining personal character through mutual reminders and exemplary manners. Rooted in Qur’anic verses, Prophetic traditions, and insights from the righteous predecessors, the treatises provide practical guidance for navigating life as a devout believer.
The first treatise, Mutual Reminding, explores the importance of God-consciousness, obstacles to obedience, and the role of spiritual reminders in maintaining faith. The second treatise, Good Manners, emphasizes the necessity of spiritual discipline, purity, and etiquette on the path to divine proximity.
Imam ʿAbd Allāh Ibn ʿAlawī al-Ḥaddād (1634–1720 CE) was a renowned Yemeni scholar, spiritual master, and poet of the Ba ‘Alawi tradition, known for his emphasis on balance between outward practice and inward purification. He authored numerous works, including The Book of Assistance (Risālat al-Muʿāwana), which provides practical guidance on faith, worship, and spiritual discipline. His teachings continue to inspire Muslims worldwide, emphasizing sincerity, devotion, and the pursuit of ihsan (spiritual excellence).
Insight 1:Taqwa is an Active Discipline
Insight 2: Knowledge is the Light that Dispels Ignorance
Insight 3: Long Hopes are the Thief of Spiritual Urgency
Insight 4: Sincerity is the Heart of Worship
Insight 5: The Love of This World is the Root of Sin
Insight 6: Spiritual Discipline Shapes Character
Insight 7: The Power of Mutual Reminders
You might think of taqwa as simply “fear of God,” but it is far more dynamic and nuanced than that. Taqwa is an active, ongoing state of awareness—an anchoring presence that shapes every moment of your life. It’s not just about avoiding sin because of fear of punishment; it’s about living in constant mindfulness of God’s grandeur and mercy. Imam Al-Haddad writes, “The reality of taqwa is that your Lord never sees you where He has forbidden you to be, nor does He miss you where He has commanded you to be.” It is a spiritual posture, a way of being that permeates every action, word, and intention.
Imagine taqwa as the compass of your soul. Without it, you’re drifting—subject to the whims of temptation, distraction, and worldly desires. But with it, you’re aligned with a higher purpose. Taqwa is not passive. It doesn’t mean retreating to a corner and hoping you stay out of trouble. It’s active vigilance, a constant recalibration to ensure that your heart, actions, and priorities remain tethered to the Divine.
This isn’t easy. The Qur’an acknowledges this when it instructs: “So fear God as much as you are able.” Perfection isn’t required, but effort is. Taqwa demands introspection and a willingness to hold yourself accountable. When you mess up—and you will—it’s not about wallowing in guilt but about course-correcting. It’s saying, “I fell short today, but tomorrow I’ll strive harder.”
This process begins with humility. To live with taqwa is to admit your limitations and dependence on God. It’s realizing that you cannot navigate life’s complexities alone. You might think you’re in control, but taqwa reminds you that everything—your wealth, health, time—is on loan. When you embrace this truth, you stop grasping at illusions of independence. Instead, you surrender to God’s wisdom, seeking His guidance in every step.
Taqwa manifests in both big and small moments. It’s the decision to resist a lucrative but unethical deal at work. It’s lowering your gaze when tempted to look at something inappropriate. It’s choosing kindness when anger flares, because you remember the verse, “Indeed, God is with those who fear Him and those who do good.” It’s the whisper in your heart that asks, “Will this please God?” before you act.
But taqwa isn’t just about avoidance; it’s also about doing what’s right. It’s showing up for Fajr prayer even when the bed feels warm and the world is still dark. It’s giving in charity when no one is watching, not for recognition, but because you know God sees. Taqwa is both shield and sword—it protects you from sin and propels you toward goodness.
There will be days when living with taqwa feels like walking against the wind. The pull of the world is strong. People might scoff at your choices, dismissing them as overly cautious or unnecessary. But remember that taqwa is not about them—it’s about your relationship with your Lord. The Qur’an offers this promise: “Whoever fears God, He will make for him a way out and provide for him from sources he could never imagine.” Taqwa is not a restriction; it’s freedom—a liberation from the chains of ego and the fleeting distractions of this worldly life.
The beauty of taqwa is that it grows with practice. The more you cultivate this God-consciousness, the more it becomes second nature. Like a muscle, it strengthens with use. And the reward? It’s not just the avoidance of punishment; it’s a life imbued with peace, purpose, and proximity to God.
So, ask yourself: How am I living with taqwa today? How can I remind myself, in the midst of life’s noise, that God is closer to me than my own jugular vein? This is not a one-time decision. It’s a daily, hourly, moment-to-moment commitment. And it’s worth it, because taqwa isn’t just the path to God—it’s walking knowing He is present.
Don’t just read—take action. Every SowSee summary ends with challenge tasks, helping you turn insights into action—and action into transformation!