THE LIFE AND TIMES OF UWAIS AL-QARNI: The Hidden Sufi and Best Among the Tabi’in By Uwais Ahmed Akhtarul Qaderi

This book, detailing the life and times of one of the greatest tabi’in – Uwais Al Qarni is the first authoritative compilation of biographical anecdotes.

Uwais Al Qarni’s life was characterised by striving along the path of self-annihilation to reach the realm of the Divine. Uwais Al Qarni, without ever having met Nabi Muhammad (S) in the physical realm, was dearly beloved to Nabi (S) because of his utmost sincerity and devotion. The deep persona of Uwais Al Qarni will always remain a mystery, but his status as one of the foremost Lovers of Allah is, as this book depicts, uncontested.

This book is a humble effort to highlight the love and dedication of Uwais Al Qarni to the path of spiritual enlightenment. The book serves as a point of reflection for us on our own journeys.

About The Author

Mawlana Uwais Ahmed Akhtarul Qaderi was born in Laudium South Africa. he qualified as a Hafiz and Sunni Alim at an early age and then completed B.Eng at the University of Pretoria. He is a Material Scientist and Biomedical Engineer by Profession.

He is the murid of Tajush Shari’ah, Hadrat Allama Mufti Muhammad Akhtar Raza Khan al-Azhari al Qaderi Radhwi (the great-grandson of Ala Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan al-Barelwi)

We decided to publish this story out of our conviction that Uwais al-Qarni is not a myth—a person with this name and character did live during the lifetime of the Prophet (saw). His unique lifestyle and his intense love for the Prophet (saw) enabled him to be acknowledged by the Prophet (saw), although they never met in person—they communicated to each other mysteriously.

This story revolves around his hidden personality, always hidden from people’s eyes. His was a life of piety, always in close proximity to his Creator. His love of solitude and his tawakkul (trust in Allah) are the subject matter of this story. His life reminds us of the saying of the Prophet (saw):

None amongst you can be a true believer
until he regards Allah and His Prophet
as dearer to him than all others.