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The Beautiful One whom I adore
Has pitched His royal tent inside of you,
So I will always lean my heart
As close to your soul
As I can.
~ Hafiz
‘Healing by the Recognition of the Rights of the Chosen One’ (‘Kitab Ash-Shifa bi ta’rif huquq al-Mustafa’), by Qadi Iyad (d. 1149 AD), translated by Aisha Abdarrahman Bewley, is perhaps the most frequently used handbook in which the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) life, his qualities and his miracles are described in detail.
Generally known by its short title, ‘Ash-Shifa’, this work was so highly admired throughout the Muslim world that it soon acquired a sanctity of its own, for it is said, ‘If Ash-Shifa is found in a house, this house will not suffer any harm . . . when a sick person reads it or it is recited to them, Allah Almighty will restore their health.’
‘Ash-Shifa’ gathers together all that is necessary to aquaint the reader with the true and unique stature of the Prophet Muhammad, making it a truly remarkable book. This very fine translation into English by Aisha Abdarrahman Bewley allows the beauty of the original work to shine through.