Nuzhat Ul Majalis In English -
1. What is Nuzhat ul-Majalis?
Nuzhat ul-Majalis (نزهة المجالس) translates to "The Delight of Gatherings" or "The Pleasure of Assemblies."
It is a classical Arabic anthology of moral stories, sermons, poetry, and sayings of pious Muslims (Sufis, scholars, and saints). It is primarily used for: Nuzhat Ul Majalis In English
- Spiritual education
- Preaching (wa'z) in gatherings
- Encouraging good character (akhlaq)
- Warning against sin and worldly attachment
The book is not a Quranic tafsir nor a legal manual, but a collection of edifying tales common in Sufi and traditional Islamic circles. The book is not a Quranic tafsir nor
9. Caution for English Readers
- Weak hadith: The book contains many non-authentic or fabricated traditions. Classical scholars warned that it is a wa'z (preaching) book, not a hadith reference.
- Recommendation: Enjoy the moral lessons, but do not quote from it as proof of Islamic law or creed (aqidah). Use it for character-building, not for rulings.
5. Language and Style
- Original: Classical Arabic (rhymed prose – saj' – often poetic).
- Translations available:
- Urdu (very common in South Asia; titled Nuzhat-ul-Majalis with subheadings).
- English (several incomplete or self-published versions; the most accessible is “Nuzhat ul Majalis – English Translation” by Darul Isha’at or similar publishers, often alongside Arabic/Urdu text).
- Tone: Didactic, emotional, and sometimes dramatic to move the listener/reader to tears and reform.
Part 9: A Sample Story from Nuzhat ul Majalis (Paraphrased in English)
To give you a taste, here is a famous narration from the chapter on Repentance: his family said
It is told that there was a man who had committed countless sins. When death approached him, his family said, “Say: La ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but Allah).” But the man could not speak. His tongue was heavy. A pious man among them said, “Perhaps he has a debt?” They checked and found that he owed two dirhams to a neighbor. So they paid it. Then they returned to the dying man and again asked him to declare faith. Immediately, he opened his eyes and said clearly, “La ilaha illa Allah” – and passed away.
That night, the family saw him in a dream, dressed in fine green garments, walking in a garden of Paradise. They asked, “What saved you?” He replied: “The declaration of faith, and the two dirhams. A debt blocks a good ending. Do not ever underestimate the rights of others.”
This simple story encapsulates the book’s power: it makes abstract theology (the importance of clearing debts before death) into a living, unforgettable picture.