The Deewan of al-Imam al-Shafi’ee (R.A)

It gives me great joy and pleasure to witness the fruition of the efforts of the members of ‘Al-Nadi Al-Arabi’ of Darul Uloom Zakariyya who had undertaken and completed the priceless task of translating the Deewan of Imam Shafi’i (RA) into English. In doing so, they have made accessible the benefits of the valuable poetry, literary rarities, academic proficiency. wisdom, advices and admonitions of Imam Shafi’i (RA) in the English language.

MI Muhammad Saloojee and MI Ackthar Ali (May Allah Taa’la protect them and bless them both and grant them success in both worlds) are worthy of being congratulated for rendering this difficult and sensitive task of translating it into English with the greatest of zeal, enthusiasm and diligence. The responsibility of translating this academic treasure into English with the necessary background in literary skills is the first attempt at translation by these young scholars and therefore should be commended.

May Allah Taa’la bless them in their knowledge, practical acts of worship, research, translations, and compilations and grant them success therein. May Allah Taa’la always accept them for the sincere and effective service of this great and pristine Deen and bestow upon them His pleasure and guidance. At this juncture we cannot forget their tutor, the respected ustaad Hadhrat MI Abdul Quddoos Shb (May Allah Taa’la protect him and grant him success in both worlds), the student of the great scholar of Islam MI Waheeduz Zaman (R.A). If it wasn’t for his dedication and encouragement this marvellous work should not have reached its culmination.

We hope that the circle of respectable virtuous scholars will look at this work with an eye of acceptance and that the enthusiasts will derive maximum benefit from it. Especially, the present developing generation of students in Islamic Universities should utilize it as a means of creating strength in their speech and writings as well as broadening their horizons in thought and reflection.

Finally we beseech Allah Taa’la to accept this noble effort, to reward Imam Shafi’i (R.A) and the two translators, their assistants and their respectable assatidha (teachers) abundantly, and to accept the works of “Al-Nadi Al- Arabi and grant it special guidance.