
Hujjat Allah Al Baligha” by Shah Wali Allah of Delhi is a seminal work in Islamic thought, translated into English by Marcia K. Hermansen and published by Kitab Bhavan. This book is considered one of the most important contributions to Islamic scholarship and provides a comprehensive synthesis of Islamic intellectual disciplines.
The original work, written in Arabic, was composed by Shah Wali Allah in the 18th century. It represents a cohesive schema of metaphysical, psychological, and social knowledge of his time. The English translation by Marcia K. Hermansen makes this profound work accessible to a wider audience, allowing readers to engage with its rich content and insights.
Key Themes
Rational and Ethical Basis for Hadith Injunctions: Shah Wali Allah develops a cohesive argument for the rational, ethical, and spiritual basis for implementing the hadith injunctions of the Prophet Muhammad. He synthesizes various Islamic intellectual disciplines to support his arguments.
Metaphysical, Psychological, and Social Knowledge: The book provides an extensive and detailed picture of Muslim theology and interpretive strategies on the eve of the modern period. It covers metaphysical, psychological, and social aspects of Islamic thought.
Synthesis of Islamic Intellectual Disciplines: Shah Wali Allah’s work represents a synthesis of the authoritative Islamic intellectual disciplines of the 18th century. This synthesis is still relevant and evoked by numerous contemporary Islamic movements.
Implementation of Hadith Injunctions: The book argues for the implementation of the hadith injunctions based on their rational, ethical, and spiritual foundations. Shah Wali Allah provides a detailed schema to support this implementation.
Structure
The book is divided into several sections, each addressing different aspects of Islamic thought and practice. The English translation follows the original Arabic text closely, ensuring that the essence and depth of Shah Wali Allah’s work are preserved.
Audience
“Hujjat Allah Al Baligha” is intended for scholars, students, and anyone interested in Islamic studies and the intellectual history of Islam. Its comprehensive coverage and scholarly approach make it a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the rich intellectual heritage of Islam.
Conclusion
“Hujjat Allah Al Baligha” by Shah Wali Allah of Delhi, translated into English by Marcia K. Hermansen, is a significant contribution to Islamic scholarship. Its comprehensive synthesis of Islamic intellectual disciplines and its relevance to contemporary Islamic thought make it an essential read for scholars and students alike.