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Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah PDF: The Essentials of Islamic Faith and Practice by Imam Al-Ghazali
Download Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah PDF: A Guide to the Book and Its Author
If you are interested in Islamic spirituality and ethics, you may have heard of Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah, a famous book by Imam Al-Ghazali. This book is considered one of his masterpieces and a summary of his magnum opus, Ihya Ulumuddin. In this article, we will explore what Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah is, who Imam Al-Ghazali is, and how to download Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah PDF online.
download kitab bidayatul hidayah pdf
What is Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah?
Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah, which means "The Beginning of Guidance", is a book that teaches the basics of Islamic faith and practice. It covers topics such as purification, prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, manners, ethics, and spirituality. It is divided into three parts: the first part deals with the obligations of every Muslim, the second part deals with the recommended acts of worship, and the third part deals with the higher levels of spiritual excellence.
The meaning and purpose of the book
The title of the book reflects its main theme: how to start the journey of guidance and salvation. Imam Al-Ghazali wrote this book as a manual for beginners who want to learn and practice Islam according to the Quran and Sunnah. He also wrote it as a reminder for himself and others who may have neglected some aspects of their religion. He said in his introduction:
"This is a book that contains the most important matters that are indispensable for every Muslim in his worship and in his dealings with himself and with others. It also contains what will save him from the punishment of Allah in this world and in the Hereafter. I have written it for myself as a reminder and as a benefit. And I have made it brief so that it can be easily memorized and acted upon."
The structure and content of the book
The book consists of 10 chapters, each with several sub-sections. The chapters are as follows:
The first chapter: On knowledge of what is obligatory for every responsible person.
The second chapter: On knowledge of the times of prayer.
The third chapter: On knowledge of purification.
The fourth chapter: On knowledge of prayer.
The fifth chapter: On knowledge of fasting.
The sixth chapter: On knowledge of zakat (alms).
The seventh chapter: On knowledge of hajj (pilgrimage).
The eighth chapter: On knowledge of good manners.
The ninth chapter: On knowledge of sins.
The tenth chapter: On knowledge of repentance.
In each chapter, Imam Al-Ghazali explains the rulings, evidences, wisdoms, benefits, etiquettes, dangers, and pitfalls related to each topic. He also gives practical advice on how to perform each act of worship properly and sincerely. He also warns against the common mistakes and misconceptions that may affect one's faith and practice.
The benefits and virtues of the book
Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah is a valuable source of Islamic knowledge and guidance for Muslims of all levels. It has many benefits and virtues, such as:
It teaches the essentials of Islam in a clear and concise way.
It helps one to fulfill his obligations and duties towards Allah and His creation.
It inspires one to strive for excellence and perfection in his worship and character.
It purifies one's heart from sins and diseases.
It increases one's faith and certainty in Allah and His promises.
It brings one closer to Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him).
It prepares one for the Day of Judgment and the Hereafter.
Many scholars and students have praised this book and recommended it for Muslims who want to learn their religion. Some examples are:
"This is one of the best books that Imam Al-Ghazali wrote. It is a summary of his Ihya Ulumuddin. It contains what every Muslim needs to know about his religion. Whoever reads it attentively will benefit greatly from it." (Ibn Al-Jawzi)
"This is a great book that contains comprehensive knowledge about Islam. It is suitable for beginners as well as advanced learners. It covers all aspects of faith and practice. It is a treasure for those who seek guidance." (Al-Suyuti)
"This is a precious book that contains precious pearls. It is a guide for those who want to follow the path of Allah. It is a light for those who want to see the truth. It is a cure for those who want to heal their hearts." (Al-Qurtubi)
Who is Imam Al-Ghazali?
Imam Al-Ghazali, whose full name is Abu Hamid Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Ghazali, was one of the most influential scholars in Islamic history. He was born in 1058 CE in Tus, Iran, and died in 1111 CE in Tabaran, Iran. He was a jurist, theologian, philosopher, mystic, poet, teacher, preacher, reformer, and author. He wrote more than 70 books on various subjects such as jurisprudence, theology, philosophy, logic, ethics, psychology, spirituality, education, politics, economics, history, literature, etc.
His life and achievements
Imam Al-Ghazali had a remarkable life full of challenges and achievements. Some highlights are:
He was an orphan who lost his father at an early age. He was raised by his brother Ahmad who supported his education.
He studied under some of the most prominent scholars of his time such as Imam Al-Haramayn Al-Juwayni and Imam Abu Ishaq Al-Shirazi.
He became a professor at the Nizamiyya College in Baghdad at the age of 34. He taught thousands of students from different backgrounds and disciplines.
He faced a spiritual crisis that led him to abandon his academic career and embark on a journey of self-purification and discovery. He traveled to various places such as Syria, Palestine, Mecca, Medina, Egypt, etc.
He returned to teaching after 10 years with a renewed vision and mission. He focused on reforming the Muslim society from within by reviving the authentic teachings of Islam.
He faced opposition from some groups who accused him of heresy or innovation. He defended his views with courage and wisdom.
He died at the age of 53 after completing his magnum opus Ihya Ulumuddin (The Revival of Religious Sciences).
His works and contributions
Imam Al-Ghazali was a prolific writer who produced many works that have influenced generations of Muslims until today. Some examples are:
Ihya Ulumuddin (The Revival of Religious Sciences): This is his masterpiece that covers all aspects of Islamic faith and practice in 40 books. It aims to revive the spirit of Islam and reform the Muslim society. It combines the external and internal dimensions of religion, and integrates the rational and spiritual approaches. It has been translated into many languages and commented upon by many scholars.
Mishkat Al-Anwar (The Niche for Lights): This is a commentary on a verse from Surah An-Nur (The Light) that describes Allah as "the light of the heavens and the earth". It explains the concept of light in relation to Allah, His names, His attributes, His actions, His signs, His messengers,
Al-Munqidh Min Ad-Dalal (The Deliverer from Error): This is an autobiographical work that narrates his personal journey of seeking the truth and overcoming doubts. It also critiques various schools of thought such as philosophy, theology, and mysticism. It shows how he found the balance between reason and revelation, and between law and spirituality.
Al-Maqsad Al-Asna Fi Sharh Asma Allah Al-Husna (The Best Means in Explaining Allah's Beautiful Names): This is a commentary on the 99 names of Allah that are mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah. It describes the meanings, implications, and effects of each name. It also shows how to invoke Allah by His names and how to reflect His attributes in one's character.
Kimya Al-Saadah (The Alchemy of Happiness): This is a summary of his Ihya Ulumuddin that focuses on the practical aspects of achieving happiness in this world and the next. It discusses topics such as knowledge, worship, ethics, morality, love, death, resurrection, paradise, and hell.
His legacy and influence
Imam Al-Ghazali was a towering figure in Islamic history who left a lasting legacy and influence on the Muslim world and beyond. Some examples are:
He was regarded as one of the greatest scholars and thinkers of Islam. He was given the titles of Hujjat Al-Islam (The Proof of Islam) and Zayn Al-Din (The Ornament of Religion).
He was respected and admired by scholars from different schools of thought and disciplines. He was praised by Sunni, Shia, Sufi, Ashari, Maturidi, Hanafi, Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali, etc.
He was a source of inspiration and guidance for many reformers and revivalists who followed his footsteps. Some examples are Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn Al-Qayyim, Ibn Khaldun, Al-Nawawi, Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani, Al-Suyuti, Muhammad Abduh, Muhammad Iqbal, etc.
He was influential in shaping the intellectual and spiritual landscape of the Muslim world. He contributed to the development of various fields such as jurisprudence, theology, philosophy, logic, ethics, psychology, spirituality, education, politics, economics, history, literature, etc.
He was recognized and appreciated by non-Muslims as well. He was studied and quoted by Western scholars such as Thomas Aquinas, Dante Alighieri, Roger Bacon, David Hume, Immanuel Kant, etc.
How to download Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah PDF?
If you want to read Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah online or offline, you can download it in PDF format from various sources. However, you need to be careful and selective when choosing the source and format of the PDF file, as some may contain errors, omissions, or distortions. Here are some tips and steps to help you download Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah PDF safely and easily.
The sources and formats of the PDF file
There are many websites and platforms that offer Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah PDF for free or for a fee. Some examples are:
Archive.org: This is a non-profit digital library that provides access to millions of books, documents, and media files. You can find Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah PDF in Arabic, English, Indonesian, Malay, Urdu, etc. You can also find different editions and translations of the book. You can download the PDF file directly or use the online reader.
Kalamullah.com: This is an Islamic website that provides various Islamic resources such as books, audios, videos, articles, etc. You can find Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah PDF in English translated by Mokrane Guezzou. You can download the PDF file directly or read it online.
Dar-us-Salam.com: This is an Islamic online bookstore that sells authentic Islamic books, CDs, DVDs, software, etc. You can find Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah PDF in English translated by Muhtar Holland. You can buy the PDF file for $5.95 or get a hard copy for $14.95.
When choosing the source and format of the PDF file, you should consider some factors such as:
The authenticity and accuracy of the text.
The quality and readability of the font.
The size and compatibility of the file.
The availability and accessibility of the link.
The legality and morality of the download.
The steps and tips to download the PDF file
Once you have chosen the source and format of the PDF file, you can follow these steps to download it:
Go to the website or platform that offers Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah PDF.
Search for Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah or its alternative titles such as The Beginning of Guidance or The Book of Assistance.
Select the language, edition, and translation that you prefer.
Click on the download button or link that appears on the page.
Choose the destination folder where you want to save the PDF file on your device.
Wait for the download to complete.
Open the PDF file with a suitable application such as Adobe Reader or Google Docs.
Here are some tips to make your download easier and faster:
Use a reliable internet connection and device.
Check the file size before downloading it to avoid wasting time or space.
Scan the file for viruses or malware before opening it to protect your device and data.
Rename the file according to your preference or convenience.
Delete or backup the file after reading it to free up space or keep it safe.
The alternatives and options to the PDF file
If you cannot or do not want to download Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah PDF for some reason, you can still access it in other ways. Some alternatives and options are:
You can read it online using your browser or an online reader such as Archive.org or Kalamullah.com.
You can listen to it as an audio book using your earphones or speakers such as Archive.org or YouTube.com.
You can watch it as a video lecture using your screen or projector such as YouTube.com or Vimeo.com.
You can buy it as a hard copy from an Islamic bookstore or online store such as Dar-us-Salam.com or Amazon.com.
You can borrow it from a library or a friend who has it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah is a valuable book that teaches the basics of Islamic faith and practice. It was written by Imam Al-Ghazali, one of the greatest scholars and thinkers of Islam. It has many benefits and virtues for Muslims who want to learn their religion. It can be downloaded in PDF format from various sources online. However, one should be careful and selective when choosing the source and format of the PDF file. One should also consider other alternatives and options to access the book if needed. We hope that this article has helped you understand what Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah is, who Imam Al-Ghazali is, and how to download Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah PDF online. We also hope that you will read this book with sincerity and diligence, and apply its teachings in your life. May Allah guide us all to His straight path. Ameen.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah:
What is Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah?
Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah is a book that teaches the basics of Islamic faith and practice. It covers topics such as purification, prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, manners, ethics, and spirituality. It was written by Imam Al-Ghazali in Arabic in 1105 CE. It is considered one of his masterpieces and a summary of his magnum opus Ihya Ulumuddin (The Revival of Religious Sciences).
Who is Imam Al-Ghazali?
Imam Al-Ghazali was one of the most influential scholars in Islamic history. He was born in 1058 CE in Tus,Iran,and died in 1111 CE in Tabaran,Iran. He was a jurist,theologian, Who is Imam Al-Ghazali?
Imam Al-Ghazali was one of the most influential scholars in Islamic history. He was born in 1058 CE in Tus, Iran, and died in 1111 CE in Tabaran, Iran. He was a jurist, theologian, philosopher, mystic, poet, teacher, preacher, reformer, and author. He wrote more than 70 books on various subjects such as jurisprudence, theology, philosophy, logic, ethics, psychology, spirituality, education, politics, economics, history, literature, etc. He was given the titles of Hujjat Al-Islam (The Proof of Islam) and Zayn Al-Din (The Ornament of Religion).
How to download Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah PDF?
You can download Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah PDF from various sources online such as Archive.org, Kalamullah.com, or Dar-us-Salam.com. However, you need to be careful and selective when choosing the source and format of the PDF file, as some may contain errors, omissions, or distortions. You also need to follow some steps and tips to download the PDF file safely and easily. You can also consider other alternatives and options to access the book if needed.
What are the benefits and virtues of Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah?
Kitab Bidayatul Hidayah has many benefits and virtues for Muslims who want to learn their religion. It teaches the essentials of Islam in a clear and concise way. It helps one to fulfill his obligations and duties towards Allah and His creation. It inspires one to strive for excellence and perfection in his worship and character. It purifies one's heart from sins and diseases. It increases one's faith and certainty in Allah and His promises. It brings one closer to Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him). It prepares one for the Day of Judgment and the Hereafter.