Al-Uqud al-Durriyya - Ibn Abd al-Hadi - (الكتاب/425)

Al-Uqud al-DurriyyaIbn Abd al-Hadi

and the most delectable speech is that which—…—those who praise it describe as being weighed out in perfect measure: words of splendid eloquence (1); yet at times the tone is artfully modulated, and the finest discourse is the one that is thus modulated.

Allah, Exalted is He, says: “Let not the hatred of a people provoke you to turn away from justice. Be just; that is nearer to god-fearingness. And fear Allah; surely Allah is well-aware of what you do” (Al-Māʾidah 8). He also says: “Cooperate in righteousness and piety, and do not cooperate in sin and aggression. Fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in punishment” (Al-Māʾidah 2). And He says: “O you who believe, fear Allah and speak words that are straight; He will set your deeds aright for you and forgive you your sins. Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has indeed achieved a tremendous triumph” (Al-Aḥzāb 70–71). And He says: “Allah will surely aid those who aid Him; truly Allah is All-Powerful, Mighty” (Al-Ḥajj 40).

Had I not feared that you might grow weary, I would not have refrained from extending this discussion. We ask the Most Generous Allah to guide us and you along the paths (2) of right guidance and to keep us and you from the road of misguidance. He is capable of all things and worthy of answering supplications. Allah is sufficient for us; He is the best Trustee—an excellent Patron (3) and an excellent Supporter.

All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon the Master of the Messengers, Muhammad the Prophet, his pure family, and his noble, chosen companions (4).

(1) In manuscripts F and K the word appears as "arbaʿ" (four), which is erroneous; the correct wording is "saib" (sound). (2) Manuscripts F, K, and T read "sabil" (path). (3) The phrase "niʿma al-mawla" (an excellent Protector) is absent from F, K, and T; manuscript B instead reads "wa-huwa hasbuna" (and He is sufficient for us). (4) Manuscripts F, K, and T have "al-muntakhabin" (the select ones).

وحديث ألذّه، هو ممّا ... يَنْعَتُ النَّاعِتون يُوزَنُ وزنا منطقٌ رائع (١) وتلحَنُ أحيا ... نًا، وخيرُ الحديث ما كان لحنا قال الله تعالى: ﴿وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَى أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَى وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ﴾ [المائدة: ٨]. وقال تعالى: ﴿وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَى وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ﴾ [المائدة: ٢]. وقال تعالى: ﴿يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَقُولُوا قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا (٧٠) يُصْلِحْ لَكُمْ أَعْمَالَكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَمَنْ يُطِعِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ فَازَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا﴾ [الأحزاب: ٧٠ - ٧١]. وقال تعالى: ﴿وَلَيَنْصُرَنَّ اللَّهُ مَنْ يَنْصُرُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَقَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ﴾ [الحج: ٤٠]. ولولا خشية الملالة لما نكَبْتُ عن الإطالة. نسأل الله الكريم أن يسلك بنا وبكم سُبُل (٢) الهداية، وأن يجنّبنا وإيّاكم مسلك الغواية، إنه على كلِّ شيءٍ قدير، وبالإجابة جدير، حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل، نِعم المولى (٣) ونعم النصير. والحمد لله ربّ العالمين، وصلوات الله وسلامه على سيّد المرسلين. محمد النبي وآله الطاهرين، وأصحابه الكرام المنتجبين (٤).

(١) (ف، ك): «أربع» خطأ. والرواية: «صائب». (٢) (ف، ك، ط): «سبيل». (٣) «نعم المولى» ليست في (ف، ك، ط). وفي (ب): «وهو حسبنا». (٤) (ف، ك، ط): «المنتخبين».