Al-Hassan Al-Basri: His Piety, His Wisdom, His Devotion, His Asceticism and His Sermons, by Abu al-Faraj Ibn al-Jawzi

Al Hasan Al Basri is one of the great figures of Sunni Islam. In other words, an imam (a guide) for the Muslim community. Famous companion of the Companions (tâbi'i), he knew the wives of the Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him as well as Companions like 'Umar Ibn al-Khattâb. The latter made this invocation in His favor: "Lord, give him the gift of the understanding of religion and make him loved by the people".

Al Hassan al-Basri was renowned for his great piety, his unconditional respect for the Sunnah and his profound wisdom which he expressed in maxims and aphorisms passed down in history. He developed ideas praising detachment from the attractions of the world.

It was said of him that his remarks resembled those held by the Prophets and the truthful. It was also repeated that it was not necessary to listen to him speak or see him act. The mere sight of it served as a lesson to sane minds.

This work, which we owe to the eminent Ibn al-Jawzî, lists the sum of the teachings and maxims of al-Hasan al-Basrî. It also describes his spiritual and intellectual virtues. It is a reminder for the believer who is in search of wisdom and piety. We have added to the work of Ibn al-Jawzi, a biography of this illustrious author as well as another biography of al-Hasan al-Basri. We have also created an index of verses, hadiths and proper names of people and places mentioned in the book.