Islamic Empire

The author’s full name was Ahmad Ibrahim Muhammad al-Dimashqi al-Dumyati, commonly known as Ibn an-Nuhaas and he died in the Year 814 Hijri, corresponding to the Year 1411 of the Gregorian calendar.

Al-Sakhawi said about him:

“He was eager to do good, preferred living in obscurity and showed no arrogance or pride due to his knowledge. Whoever would see him would think that he was a commoner – a handsome man, with a beautiful beard, short and medium built. He spent most of his life stationed in Jihad until he died as a martyr.”

Ibn al-Imad said about him:

“The Sheikh, Imam, scholar and exemplar.”

In 814 Hijri the Romans attacked the people of Teenah in Egypt. The people of Dumyat, led by Ibn an-Nuhaas went to join their brothers in their fight against the invading forces. Ibn an-Nuhaas was killed in the battle, whilst facing the enemy and not fleeing from them, nine months after he completed writing this book.

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About the book
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Sheikh Abdullah Azzam said about this book: “This is the best book on Jihad.”

It is considered the most comprehensive study on the subject of Jihad because it was written by an author who practised, lived and experienced what he preached.

Syed Qutb said: “Indeed our words will remain lifeless, until we die in pursuit of those words, then those same words will be brought to life and live amongst the people, inspiring them and bringing their hearts to life.” 

This book and the lecture series with it is literally the greatest indepth look on Jihad that is done in English. Shaykh Ibn Nuhaas’ book is oriented towards the virtues, love, importance, and brief history of Jihad; in short, it is the best book to inspire the believers. If one is looking for a more fiqhi approach to Jihad, Shaykh Ibn Taymiyyah’s book on Jihad is recommended.

One may notice that the image above has the title of “The Story of Ibn al Akwa”. This is what the actual title of the lecture series is, even though the entire series is a commentary on this book of Shaykh ibn Nuhaas’.

I also strongly recommend everyone to go through my notes on this book as it will provide a very brief summary (mostly ahadith and ayaat) that was taken from the book.