📖 Overview
Zad al-Ma'ad is a Persian religious text written by Muhammad Baqir Majlisi in the late 17th century. The book compiles Islamic traditions and practices related to daily life and religious observances.
The text is structured as a comprehensive guide covering topics such as prayers, fasting, religious occasions, and significant dates in the Islamic calendar. Majlisi drew from numerous hadith sources and scholarly works to create this manual for Shi'a Muslims.
The book contains specific instructions and recommendations for religious duties, along with explanations of their significance and historical context. The work spans multiple volumes and includes Arabic passages with Persian translations and commentary.
This text represents an intersection of practical religious guidance and deeper theological understanding, bridging the gap between scholarly discourse and everyday Muslim practice. The work continues to influence Shi'a Islamic thought and ritual observance.
👀 Reviews
There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Allama Majlisi's overall work:
Online reviews and discussions of Allama Majlisi's works focus primarily on Bihar al-Anwar and its English translations.
Readers value:
- Comprehensive collection of Shia hadith in one source
- Clear organization by topic
- Detailed chains of narration
- Historical context provided for traditions
- Availability of partial English translations
Common criticisms:
- Inclusion of weak or unreliable hadith without sufficient verification
- Limited access to complete English translations
- Dense academic language that's difficult for general readers
- High cost of printed volumes
Few ratings exist on mainstream review sites due to the scholarly nature of the works. Academic citations and references appear frequently in Islamic studies journals and religious discussion forums. Some readers on Islamic forums note Bihar al-Anwar requires guidance from knowledgeable scholars to study properly.
A reader on Shia Chat forums wrote: "Bihar is an ocean of knowledge but you need a map to navigate it. Not recommended for beginners studying hadith."
📚 Similar books
Bihar al-Anwar by Muhammad Baqir al-Majlisi
This comprehensive collection contains hadith and historical narrations covering Islamic theology, history, and practices from both Sunni and Shia sources.
Man La Yahduruhu Al-Faqih by Sheikh al-Saduq This work compiles essential Islamic jurisprudence rulings and religious practices drawn from authenticated hadith sources.
Wasail al-Shia by Al-Hurr Al-Amili The text presents a systematic organization of Shia hadith literature relating to Islamic law and religious obligations.
Al-Kafi by Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni This foundational text contains traditions about Islamic beliefs, practices, and ethics from the Prophet Muhammad and the Twelve Imams.
Tahdhib al-Ahkam by Shaykh al-Tusi The book presents a detailed examination of Islamic jurisprudence through collected hadith and scholarly interpretations.
Man La Yahduruhu Al-Faqih by Sheikh al-Saduq This work compiles essential Islamic jurisprudence rulings and religious practices drawn from authenticated hadith sources.
Wasail al-Shia by Al-Hurr Al-Amili The text presents a systematic organization of Shia hadith literature relating to Islamic law and religious obligations.
Al-Kafi by Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni This foundational text contains traditions about Islamic beliefs, practices, and ethics from the Prophet Muhammad and the Twelve Imams.
Tahdhib al-Ahkam by Shaykh al-Tusi The book presents a detailed examination of Islamic jurisprudence through collected hadith and scholarly interpretations.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 Despite sharing a name with Ibn Qayyim's famous work, Majlisi's "Zad al-Ma'ad" focuses specifically on Shia supplications and religious practices for different days of the year
📚 Allama Majlisi wrote over 100 books in both Arabic and Persian, with "Zad al-Ma'ad" being one of his more accessible works intended for general readers
🕌 The book contains detailed instructions for religious observances during significant dates in the Islamic calendar, particularly those important to Twelver Shia Muslims
📖 Majlisi served as Sheikh ul-Islam (the highest religious authority) in Safavid Iran under Sultan Husayn, and his works helped standardize Shia religious practices
🗣️ The title "Zad al-Ma'ad" translates to "Provisions for the Hereafter," reflecting its purpose as a practical guide for believers to prepare for the afterlife through proper worship