The Virtues of al-Sham & Damascus

Imam Abu al-Hasan ʿAli ibn Muhammad al-Rubʿi al-Maliki
Paperback, 146 pages
9781966329893

Al-Shām, encompassing the modern regions of Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, and neighboring areas, has long been revered as a land of immense spiritual and historical importance within the Islamic tradition. Drawing upon a wealth of prophetic narrations, The Virtues of al-Shām & Damascus offers a glimpse of this sacred region's relevance and continued significance. This work situates al-Shām within the broader framework of Muslim belief and the Prophetic inheritance, examining the role of al-Shām as a central locus of faith, resilience, and divine blessing.

This work, known in Arabic as Fada'il al-Shām wa-Dimashq, is a comprehensive collection of more than 100 narrations that highlight the unique virtues of al-Shām, including its designation as a land of divine mercy, a refuge of the righteous, and a site of eschatological significance, as well as a land cherished by Messenger of Allah ﷺ, graced by angels, and preserved by the piety of its inhabitants.

Many of the hadith discuss the historical dimensions and significance of this region, contextualizing its sanctity within the Quranic and prophetic corpus. It includes key narrations emphasizing the region's prominence in Islamic eschatology, as well as its pivotal role as a bastion of faith amidst tribulation. The Virtues of al-Shām & Damascus helps the reader to understand why this land has captivated the hearts of believers across centuries, and continues to do so today.