Essence of Life: A Translation of Ain al-Hayaat by Allama Mohammed Baqir Majlisi, author, and Sayed Tahir Bilgrami, translator

Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi is a renowned Shi’a scholar. This book is another translation of his famous work, which includes (HAYATUL QULOOB in 3 parts, THE BOOK OF OCCULTATION, for example). The book begins with the biographical descriptions of some of the truest Companions of The Prophet SAWW, namely, Salman Farsi, Abu Dharr Ghifari and Miqdad Al-Aswad. Then in each chapter he picks up various themes related to the Existence of Allah SWT, His creation of the universe, the angels, His Attributes, Prophethood, followed by Imamah, The Day of Judgment, the value and rewards of good deeds etc. Allama Majlisi elaborates upon the aqaeed (tenets of beliefs) in their various ramifications and shows us how to attain total devotion to Allah SWT. One chapter is devoted to the benefits of reciting The Qur’an as a whole and verses from various chapters. There is also very good advice about dealing with rulers and about helping one’s brethren in faith, examples from the lives of Imam Husain AS and Imam Zaynul Abideen AS as well as supplications to be recited after each salaat and before going to bed. Negative behavioral traits that show the degree of one’s belief and faith are listed and discussed. These include, inter alia, lying, greed, backbiting, false allegations, pride etc. The book also includes various supplications to be recited after each prayer, especially the tasbeeh and its merits. The book concludes with The Prophet SAWW’s Will concerning Abu Dharr, the most truthful person. H/B Pgs 416