Ahmad ibn Hanbal’s Treatise on Prayer (Salâh)

Book Overview:

This treatise by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, the deeply knowledgeable Imam of the Hanbali school of juristic reasoning, was written several hundred years ago for the benefit of the inhabitants of a town where the Imam stayed for a period of time. It takes the form of a letter or a speech addressing the townsfolk, and contains a complete, clear description of the prayer. It includes detailed observations of the mistakes which Imam Ahmad observed during his time in that town. It was and remains an invaluable work for all Muslims, detailing many common errors made during prayers, some of which are serious enough to invalidate the act of worship. The book includes explanatory notes by the translator, Sameh Strauch.

Key Features:

A detailed and accessible explanation of the prayer: The book offers a comprehensive description of the prayer, describing its significance, how to say it, and regular blunders to avoid.

Observation of common mistakes: The treatise offers notes of explanation by the the translator, Sameh Strauch, that give more background and explanation.

Inspections regarding usual mistakes: Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal shares his insights of usual mistakes made while prayer, some of which can invalidate the act of worship.

Author Bio:

The founder of the Hanbali school of thought and a well-known Islamic intellect and philosopher was Ahmad ibn Hanbal (780–855). He educated under a number of eminent scholars, especially including Imam al-Shafi'i, after being born in Baghdad, Iraq. The works of Ibn Hanbal, who was famous for his mastery in hadith, fiqh, and theological subjects, had a major impact on Islamic academia.