Kitab Ash-shifa bi ta’rif huquq al-Mustafa, (Healing by the recognition of the Rights of the Chosen one), of Qadi ‘Iyad (d. 544H / 1149CE) is perhaps the most frequently used and commented upon handbook in which the Prophet’s life, his qualities and his miracles are described in every detail. Ash-Shifa gathers together all that is necessary to acquaint the reader with the true stature of the prophet, peace and blessing be upon him, with esteem and respect which is due to him, and with the verdict regarding anyone who dares not fulfil what his stature demands or who attempts to denigrate his supreme status – even by as much as a nail pairing.
Allah has sent an abundance of His Favor to those whom He guides (friends) and He sent to them a Messenger of pure descent from the best among Arabs and non-Arabs and who is the finest both in lineage and upbringing.
His intelligence and patience were greater than any of the creation of Allah, and his knowledge and understanding were indeed of the highest standing. His conviction was the strongest likewise his determination, as for his compassion and mercy it was the greatest of all humans.
Allah purified him in both spirit and body and protected him from all imperfections and blemishes, and bestowed him with wisdom and judgment. Through him, Allah opened eyes that were blind, hearts that were covered and ears that were deaf, and He caused people to believe in Him. Those whom Allah had decreed happiness honoured and helped him, as for those to whom Allah had written wretchedness they rejected and turned away from him. Allah says, “But he who is blind in this life shall be blind in the Everlasting Life and will be further astray from the Path.” 17:72. May Allah praise His Messenger with praising that increase continuously and may He grant peace upon his family and Companions.
(After the above introduction Hafiz, Abulfadl supplicated), “May Allah illumine both your heart and mine with the lights of certainty. May He bestow upon us subtleness as He bestowed His friends (Awlia), those who are fearful of Him, those whom He has honoured by sending to them from His Purity and who has distanced them from humanity thereby gifting them from His Knowledge and the witnessing of the marvels of His Kingdom and the traces of His Might in
which their hearts were full of wonderment and so their brains wandered in His Greatness.”
