A Detailing of the Two Creations and the Attainment of the Two Happinesses (Taf峁D玪 Al-Nash鈥檃tayn wa Ta岣メ梗墨l Al-Sa鈥樐乨atayn) by Abu Al-Qasim Al-Hussein bin Muhammad Al-Mufaddal Al-Raghib Al-Asfahani, an eleventh-century Muslim scholar, is a deep exploration of Islamic theology, ethics, and anthropology. Translated by Lamya Al-Khraisha, this book was published by The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre. Al-Asfahani combines Qur'anic teachings with philosophical insights, offering a vision of human existence, creation, and the pursuit of spiritual and worldly fulfillment.
饾檴饾櫕饾櫄饾櫑饾櫕饾櫈饾櫄饾櫖 饾櫎饾櫅 饾樉饾櫎饾櫍饾櫓饾櫄饾櫍饾櫓
The book consists of 33 chapters, focusing on human creation, purpose, and how to attain the "two happinesses": one in this world and one in the afterlife. Al-Asfahani discusses the Qur'anic concept of the "two creations"鈥攖he first in the earthly realm and the second in the afterlife (Qur'an, Al-Waqi鈥榓h 56:62 and Al-鈥楢nkabut 29:20). These creations lead to the two forms of happiness: worldly contentment through righteousness and eternal bliss in paradise (Qur'an, Al-Baqarah 2:40, Hud 11:108).
The book begins with an introduction on the importance of self-knowledge as a step toward understanding God and the universe. It then covers topics like the nature of the human soul, human potential, and the relationship between intellect and divine law. Later chapters provide practical advice on worship, soul purification, and how to navigate life's moral challenges. The final chapters explore death as a transition to eternal life and how devotion can elevate humans spiritually above angels.
饾檸饾櫂饾櫇饾櫎饾櫋饾櫀饾櫑饾櫋饾櫘 饾檸饾櫈饾櫆饾櫍饾櫈饾櫅饾櫈饾櫂饾櫀饾櫍饾櫂饾櫄
Al-Asfahani's work highlights the intellectual richness of the Abbasid era. His approach blends Islamic theology with Hellenic philosophy, similar to scholars like Al-Ghazali. The book demonstrates a deep engagement with Qur'anic exegesis and Hadith, while also incorporating rational thought. Chapters like 鈥淢an鈥檚 Knowledge of His Soul鈥� (Chapter I) and 鈥淭he Potentialities that are Gathered in Man鈥� (Chapter IV) explore the idea that humans are a microcosm of the universe, containing all potentialities within them.
The emphasis on self-knowledge aligns with classical Islamic thought, echoing figures like Ali ibn Abi Talib and Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq. Al-Asfahani鈥檚 exploration of the dual potentialities of the human soul (sensual vs. intellectual desires) offers a profound understanding of moral agency and spiritual development. The book also discusses the virtues of sacred law (shari鈥榓h) and worship, suggesting that true humanity is achieved only by following divine commandments, which challenges materialistic worldviews.
饾檸饾櫓饾櫑饾櫔饾櫂饾櫓饾櫔饾櫑饾櫄 饾櫀饾櫍饾櫃 饾檸饾櫓饾櫘饾櫋饾櫄
The book's structure is clear and methodical, with each chapter logically building on the previous one. It moves from metaphysical topics, like the nature of existence, to practical guidance on worship and moral behavior, reflecting the journey from theory to action. The chapters are concise but dense, requiring careful reading to fully understand the deep theological and philosophical ideas.
The translation by Lamya Al-Khraisha is eloquent, capturing the formal tone and scholarly rigor of the original Arabic. The text is rich in Qur'anic verses, Hadith, and sayings of sages, adding depth and authority.
饾柠饾櫓饾櫑饾櫄饾櫍饾櫆饾櫓饾櫇饾櫒
-The book offers a thorough exploration of human existence from an Islamic perspective, addressing metaphysical, ethical, and eschatological dimensions.
-Al-Asfahani combines Islamic and Greek thought, making the book appealing to those interested in comparative religion and philosphy
-Later chapters provide practical advice on spiritual growth, emphasizing worship, self-discipline, and repentance.
-The themes of self-knowledge, moral struggle, and the search for divine favor are universal, making the book relevant for contemporary readers.
In today's world, which often emphasizes materialism and existential uncertainty, Al-Asfahani鈥檚 work provides a framework for navigating life鈥檚 challenges. The book's focus on self-knowledge, moral responsibility, and the pursuit of eternal happiness resonates with modern readers searching for deeper meaning. For Muslim readers, it emphasizes the importance of shari鈥榓h and worship in achieving spiritual fulfillment, while its philosophical ideas also appeal to those exploring comparative religion or ethics.
The book is a valuable resource for scholars of Islamic studies, especially those interested in the intersection of theology and philosophy. It also invites discussion with contemporary debates in psychology, ethics, and eschatology, providing a historical perspective on enduring questions about human nature and destiny.
饾樉饾櫎饾櫍饾櫂饾櫋饾櫔饾櫒饾櫈饾櫎饾櫍
A Detailing of the Two Creations and the Attainment of the Two Happinesses is a significant work that combines theological rigor, philosophical insight, and practical wisdom. Al-Raghib Al-Asfahani鈥檚 exploration of human creation and the path to divine favor offers timeless insights into human nature and purpose. Although the book鈥檚 dense prose and reliance on specific Islamic sources may pose challenges, its intellectual depth and eloquence make it a rewarding read for those willing to engage with its ideas. Lamya Al-Khraisha鈥檚 translation brings this important work to a broader audience, preserving its scholarly integrity while inviting new generations to explore the profound questions it raises. For anyone interested in Islamic theology, philosophy, or ethics, this book is an essential read.