It is with great pleasure that I present to you the English translation and explanation of the popular book هِدَايَةُ الأَذْكِيَاءِ إِلَي طَرِيقِ الأَوْلِيَاءِ (Guidance For Brilliants Towards The Way Of Awliya) written by Zainudin Bin Ali Bin Ahmed Al Malabari (AH 873–928). Popularly known as ‘Adhkia’, it is a concise and brief book on Tasawwuf, the spiritual aspect of Islam. It is regarded as the formal textbook in Tasawwuf in almost all Arabic colleges in Kerala. Many commentaries and explanations were written by different Arab scholars to elaborate on the meaning of the poem.
Tasawwuf is known as Islam's "heart" because it digs into the deepest qualities of faith and spirituality. It is a path that tries to cleanse the soul, promote virtues, and strengthen one's relationship with Allah. One can start practicing the basic steps to being a pious Muslim through this book.
The author says in the beginning that he gives some advice for those who want to enter the way of Awliya (friends of Allah). There are nine pieces of advice in the book, along with some other instructions.
Nine recommendations are:
1. Repentance (التوبة)
2. Contentment (القَنَاعَة)
3. Asceticism (الزهد)
4. Studying Islamic sciences (تعلُّم العلمِ الشرعي)
5. Adherence to Sunan (المُحَافَظَةُ على السُّنَن)
6. Trust in Allah (التوَكُّل)
7. Sincerity (الإخْلاص)
8. Isolation (العُزْلَة)
9. Time-keeping حِفْظُ الأَوْقَات
These nine recommendations are the core of the book. After giving these recommendations, he brings in necessary topics that are more relevant to the student of knowledge. He speaks about the important acts of worship a student should do regularly. He explains the ethics and etiquette a student of knowledge should follow. He also gave some detailed information on the signs of good students and teachers. Finally, he speaks about Mushahada, which is the ultimate goal of every believer on this earth.
In addition to the headings available in the source text, I have added some headings and subheadings to make the content easier to read and navigate.
This translation is not a word-to-word translation of the source text. I tried to convey the message of the source text through translation. However, I tried to keep the literal meaning of the words wherever possible.
I hope that this book will serve as a guide for those who wish to be obedient servants of Allah.
May Allah direct us to the path of Awliya and bring us prosperity in this life and the next.