Concerning the Affirmation of Divine Oneness (Risala fi'tTawhid)

About The Book

This book contains the commentaries of Shaykh Wali Raslan's work by Shaikh Zakariyya al-Ansari (d AH 926) and Shaikh Ali b. Atiyya Alawan al-Hamawi (d AH 936).

Shaikh Zakariyya' al-Ansari, whose commentary on the Risala is to be found in this book, had this to say: "Now then, the science of Divine Unity is one of the noblest of the sciences, nay, it is the noblest of them all and works composed on the subject include ar-Risala ar-Raslaniyya, by the Imam well versed in the knowledge of Allah (Exalted is He), Raslan ad-Dimashqi - may Allah perfume his resting place and make Paradise his habitation. Since this is one of the most original books written on the science of Divine Unity ('Ilm at-Tawhid), and the most comprehensive treatment of the subject within such a short space, I prayed to Allah, (Exalted is He) for help and guidance in composing a commentary that would analyze its wording and explain its meaning."

Many charismatic powers and supernatural talents have been attributed to Shaikh Wali Raslan, including those related in Qala'id al-Jawahir (Necklaces of Gems). In this work, which is essentially a biography of Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (may Allah be well pleased with him), Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Yahya at-Tadifi says: "He was one of the pre-eminent Shaikhs of Syria, one of those remarkable individuals who know through direct experience (a'yan al-arifin), and one of those who are outstanding on account of their superior skills.

He was endowed with lofty indications, with elevated aspirations, with truthful expressions, with supernatural charismatic exploits (karamat khariqa), with majestic spiritual stations, and with exalted situations. He held the highest degree of directly acquired forms of knowledge (ma'arif), the loftiest position in the realm of the realities (Haqa'iq), and the foremost standing in nearness, clear unveiling and brilliant illumination (fath), as well as firmly established empowerment and an effective aptitude for management.

About The Author

Shaikh Raslan ad-Dimashqi (may Allah be well pleased with him) was one of the pre-eminent Shaikhs of Syria, one of those remarkable individuals who know through direct experience [a'yan al-'arifin], and one of those who is outstanding on account of their superior skills. He was endowed with lofty indications, with elevated aspirations, with truthful expressions, with supernatural charismatic exploits [karamat khariqa], with majestic spiritual stations, and with exalted situations.

He held the highest degree of directly acquired forms of knowledge [ma'arif], the loftiest position in the realm of the realities [haqa'iq], and the foremost standing in nearness, clear unveiling and brilliant illumination [fath], as well as a firmly established empowerment and an effective aptitude for management.

He eventually became responsible for the training of all the seekers [muridin] in Syria. A group of its Shaikhs became affiliated with him, and not a few of its inhabitants enjoyed the benefit of his fellowship. The religious scholars ['ulama'] and the elders (may Allah be well pleased with them) pointed him out with profound respect and reverent admiration. Various animals used for transport alighted in his courtyard, arriving from every direction and by every route, and riders followed in his tracks from every deep ravine [min kulli fajjin 'amiq].3

Shaikh Raslan ad-Dimashqi (may Allah be well pleased with him) was charming, graceful, courteous and humble. He combined the noblest traits of character, the most perfect manners, and the most excellent attributes. He was also endowed with a sublime way of speaking about the process of real experiences [minhaj al-haqa'iq].