Fada'il series

The Fada'il series comprises a collection of nine treatises authored by Zakariyya Kandhlawi between the years 1930 and 1965, elucidating the virtues associated with various deeds. The majority of these treatises were composed at the behest of Ilyas Kandhlawi, the founder of Tablighi Jamaat. Their primary purpose was to serve the propagation efforts of Tablighi Jamaat, while also being perused by individuals engaged in their daily circles of education. This series stands as the most widely circulated of Urdu publications, owing largely to its integration within the literature of Tablighi Jamaat and its subsequent translation into numerous languages. Subsequently, the majority of the collective treatises were published under the title Fazail-e-Amaal. The nine treatises encompassed within this series are as follows: (1) The Story of the Companions, (2) Virtues of the Quran, (3) Virtues of Prayer, (4) Virtues of Remembrance (Dhikr), (5) Virtues of Propagation, (6) Virtues of Ramadan, (7) Virtues of Hajj, (8) Virtues of Charity, and (9) Virtues of Sending Blessings upon the Prophet. Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadwi said no other literary series has exerted a more profound reformative influence upon the nation than Zakariyya Kandhlawi's Virtues Books.

Virtues of the Quran
Fada'il-e-Quran or the Virtues of the Quran serves as the inaugural treatise in this series. Its origins can be traced back to 1930 when it was crafted as an instructive tome for Shah Yasin, a disciple of Rashid Ahmad Gangohi. The treatise begins with a preamble that acquaints the reader with the etiquettes to be observed during the recitation of the Quran. It incorporates forty selected hadiths, seamlessly woven together with their corresponding Urdu translations. The author explains the purpose behind including these forty hadiths, highlighting his divine appointment as a scholarly guardian entrusted by Allah to safeguard forty prophetic traditions specifically related to religious matters. On the Day of Judgment, he will intercede for those who have committed these hadiths to memory and adhered to their teachings, providing undeniable testimony of their steadfastness. Towards the end of the treatise, the author supplements the foundational forty with additional narrations, addressing specific nuances relevant to the context. The concluding chapter unveils a proven mnemonic structure devised by the Prophet Muhammad for the memorization of the Quran. This arrangement, transmitted to his companion Ali, significantly enhancing the efficacy of memorization.

Virtues of Ramadan
Fada'il-e Ramadan or Virtues of Ramadan is the second treatise within this series, completed during the month of Ramadan in 1930 in the Nizamuddin Markaz Mosque. The book is divided into three chapters, each exploring distinct aspects. In Chapter One, the author presents ten hadiths that illuminate the virtues inherent in the month of Ramadan. These hadiths are translated and accompanied by detailed explanations. Chapter Two delves into the significance of the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) through the exposition of seven hadiths. The author provides translations and insights to elucidate the virtues associated with this special night. Chapter Three centers around the virtues of seclusion (Iʿtikāf), where the author expounds upon three hadiths. Translations and detailed explanations accompany each hadith, shedding light on the merits of this spiritual practice.

Virtues of Propagation
Fada'il-e Tabligh, or the Virtues of Propagation, is the third treatise in this series, completed in 1931. The book is divided into seven chapters. In Chapter One, the author mentions Quranic verses related to enjoining good and forbidding evil, providing their translations and explanations. Chapter Two focuses on the Prophet's hadiths regarding enjoining good and forbidding evil. The author presents seven hadiths along with their translations and explanations. Chapter Three emphasizes the importance of self-reformation, including citations of Quranic verses and Prophetic sayings, accompanied by their translations and explanations. In Chapter Four, the author highlights the significance of honoring and respecting Muslims while condemning the act of belittling them. This chapter includes relevant Quranic verses and Prophetic sayings, along with their translations and explanations. Chapter Five underscores the importance of sincerity, faith, and seeking reward from Allah, presenting select Quranic verses and Prophetic sayings with their translations and explanations. In Chapter Six, the author emphasizes the importance of honoring scholars and spiritual guides, incorporating pertinent Quranic verses and Prophetic sayings, along with their translations and explanations. In Chapter Seven, the author emphasizes the significance of making efforts to recognize the people of truth and accompany them. This chapter incorporates relevant Quranic verses and Prophetic sayings, along with their translations and explanations.

The Story of the Companions
Hikayat-e Sahaba, or The Story of the Companions, is the fourth treatise in this series, completed in 1938. It contains stories of the male and female companions of Muhammad and their children. It is divided into twelve chapters.

Virtues of Prayer
Fada'il-e Namaz or Virtues of Prayer is the fifth treatise in this series, completed in 1939. This book explores the prescribed prayers and the virtues associated with caring for congregational prayers, recommended prayers, and more. It draws illumination from Quranic verses and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. Additionally, it highlights the significance accorded to prayer by earlier generations. The book is divided into three sections. The first section delves into the Importance of Prayer and is further divided into two chapters. In the initial chapter, the author expounds on the virtues of prayer, encompassing nine lessons and forty hadiths. The subsequent chapter focuses on admonishment and reproach directed towards those who neglect prayer, comprising nine lessons. The second section centers on the Importance of Congregational Prayer and is also divided into two chapters. The first chapter elaborates on the virtues of congregational prayer, covering seven lessons. The second chapter addresses the warning and admonishment for those who disregard congregational prayer, consisting of nine lessons. Lastly, the third section emphasizes the Importance of Devotion and Submission in Prayer, underscoring the significance of reverence and surrender during prayer.

Virtues of Remembrance (Dhikr)
Fada'il-e Dhikr, or the Virtues of Remembrance, is the sixth treatise in this series, completed in 1940. This book explores the virtues of remembrance and is divided into three sections. The first section emphasizes the importance of remembrance, with the author dividing it into two chapters. In the first chapter, the author mentions Quranic verses that highlight the virtues of remembrance, presenting forty-five verses along with their translations. The second chapter focuses on the Prophet's hadiths, providing twenty hadiths along with their texts, translations, and explanations. The second section covers the virtues of good speech and is further divided into three chapters. The first chapter presents Quranic verses that implicitly address the concept of good speech, featuring twenty verses with their translations. The second chapter includes Quranic verses that explicitly mention good speech, offering eighty-five verses along with their translations. The third chapter explores the Prophet's hadiths on the virtues of good speech, including forty hadiths with their texts, translations, and explanations. Towards the end of this chapter, the author outlines seventy-two branches of faith. The third section focuses on the virtues of the word of praise and is also divided into three chapters. In the first chapter, the author lists Quranic verses that mention the word of praise, featuring a total of 123 verses. The second chapter presents the Prophet's hadiths on the word of praise, including twenty hadiths with their texts, translations, and explanations. Finally, at the conclusion of this section, the author narrates a lengthy hadith discussing the virtues of glorification.

Virtues of Hajj
Fada'il-e Hajj or Virtues of Hajj is the seventh treatise in this series. It was written upon the request of Yusuf Kandhlawi, the second Amir of Tablighi Jamat, during his efforts to expand Tablighi Jamat in Saudi Arabia. The compilation of this treatise began on May 7, 1947, and was completed on December 26, 1947. It explores the virtues of Hajj, Umrah, and visiting the Prophet Muhammad, based on Quranic verses and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. The book is divided into ten chapters. In Chapter One, the author mentions three Quranic verses and fifteen hadiths related to the virtues of performing Hajj to the Sacred House of Allah and encourages its observance. The book provides translations and explanations for these verses and hadiths. Chapter Two cites two Quranic verses and five hadiths that serve as warnings for those capable of performing Hajj but choose not to undertake the journey. The translations and explanations of these verses and hadiths are included. Chapter Three highlights two hadiths that emphasize the virtue of enduring hardships during the journey of Hajj to the Sacred House of Allah. The translations and explanations of these hadiths are provided. Chapter Four provides a detailed explanation of the reality of performing Hajj to the Sacred House of Allah. In Chapter Five, the author delves into the etiquettes that should be observed during the journey to the Sacred House of Allah. The chapter includes references to three hadiths. Chapter Six explores the virtues of Mecca and the Kaaba in detail, mentioning four Quranic verses and ten hadiths. Chapter Seven elaborates on the virtues of Umrah, referencing seven hadiths. Chapter Eight explains the virtues of visiting the Prophet Muhammad and his blessed city of Medina. Notable hadiths and two poetic verses written by the author about visiting the Prophet are included. Chapter Nine provides a detailed explanation of the important etiquettes to observe when visiting the Prophet Muhammad. Chapter Ten delves into the virtues of visiting the city of the Prophet Muhammad in detail. This chapter is further divided into two sections.

Virtues of Charity
Fada'il-e Sadakat or Virtues of Charity is the eighth treatise in this series, completed in 1948. This book explores the virtues of charitable acts and deeds, which are considered acts of charity according to the teachings of the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet. The book is divided into seven chapters. In Chapter One, the author highlights numerous Quranic verses and prophetic sayings that emphasize the virtues of spending in the way of Allah. These verses and sayings are accompanied by translations and explanations. Chapter Two focuses on Quranic verses and prophetic sayings that condemn stinginess, shedding light on the importance of generosity and selflessness. Chapter Three presents various Quranic verses and prophetic sayings that emphasize the significance of maintaining family ties, highlighting the importance of fostering strong and caring relationships with relatives. Chapter Four delves into Quranic verses and prophetic sayings that emphasize the performance of Zakat, elucidating the significance of fulfilling this obligatory act of charity. Chapter Five discusses Quranic verses and prophetic sayings that serve as a warning to those who neglect the performance of Zakat, emphasizing the consequences of disregarding this duty. Chapter Six explores the virtues of asceticism and contentment, drawing upon Quranic verses and prophetic sayings that encourage detachment from worldly possessions and finding satisfaction in simpler lifestyles. Lastly, Chapter Seven recounts numerous incidents from the lives of seventy ascetics and philanthropists who dedicated themselves to the cause of Allah, providing inspiring examples for readers to learn from and emulate.

Virtues of Durood
Fada'il-e Durood Shareef or Virtues of Sending Blessings upon the Prophet is the final treatise in this series. It was written at the instruction of Shah Yasin, one of the disciples of Rashid Ahmad Gangohi. The compilation process began on February 9, 1965, and concluded on March 27, 1965. This book explores the virtues of sending blessings upon the Prophet, in accordance with the teachings of the Quranic verses and the sayings of the Prophet. The book is organized into five chapters. In Chapter One, the author discusses numerous Quranic verses and prophetic sayings that are directly related to sending blessings upon the Prophet. Chapter Two includes a selection of words used to send blessings upon the Prophet, along with their associated virtues, as described by the author. Chapter Three elaborates on the warning for those who neglect the act of sending blessings upon the Prophet, highlighting the importance and consequences of disregarding this practice. Chapter Four explains the manifold benefits that individuals can attain by frequently sending blessings upon the Prophet, underscoring the positive impact it has on their lives. Lastly, Chapter Five recounts fifty significant incidents associated with sending blessings upon the Prophet, providing readers with valuable examples and anecdotes.