Zad al-maad

Shia teachings are rich and multifaceted, encapsulating a plethora of doctrinal and ethical instructions drawn from the Quran, Hadith, and the vast corpus of scholarly works produced throughout Islamic history. Among these, “Zad al-Maad” holds a significant position. Authored by the eminent Islamic scholar Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, this text is primarily a compendium exploring the doctrines regarding prophetic traditions, ethics, spirituality, and remedies for various ailments, both physical and metaphysical. This article delves into the core tenets of “Zad al-Maad,” elucidating the types of content that readers can expect and how this work intersects with Shia thought.

Historical Context

“Zad al-Maad,” which translates to “Provisions for the Hereafter,” emerged in the 14th century during a transformative period in Islamic scholarship. The text is not merely an anthology of remedies or a treatise on spirituality; it represents a broader intellectual movement that sought to harmonize Shia theology with the prevailing scholarly discourses of the era. Readers can expect to unearth the historical influences that shaped Ibn al-Qayyim’s thought, including the tension between various Islamic schools of thought and the significance attributed to prophetic traditions.

Philosophical Underpinnings