In this exciting series, children will learn about Allah, our Creator, how He loves us, how we can speak with Him, and so much more! Through ten playful stories with fascinating illustrations, inshaAllah even your youngest readers will form a deep, lasting connection with their beloved Creator!

Volume twenty-seven presents an insightful commentary on Sūrah Maryam (Chapter 19) and Sūrah Ṭā Hā (Chapter 20). This volume is characterized by profound discussions on prophethood, divine mercy, and the trials and triumphs of faith. The commentary begins with Sūrah Maryam, which recounts the stories of several prophets and their submission to God. ʿAllāmah elaborates on the accounts of Prophet Zakariyyā and the miraculous birth of Yaḥyā, emphasizing themes of divine mercy and the fulfillment of prayers. The story of Maryam and the miraculous birth of Jesus is examined in detail, particularly focusing on the manifestation of divine power and the Qurʾānic refutation of attributing divinity to Jesus. This chapter emphasizes the universality of divine guidance and the continuity of the prophetic mission. The narrative transitions to the stories of Abraham, Ishmael, and other prophets, highlighting their steadfastness in monotheism and rejection of idolatry. ʿAllāmah reflects on the lessons derived from their lives, including the importance of patience, reliance on God, and the consequences of moral deviation. He also explores the eschatological themes in the chapter, such as the depiction of the Day of Judgment and the ultimate fate of believers and disbelievers.

Sadr al-Din Muhammad Shirazi (1572-1640), more commonly called Mulla Sadra, was one of the grand scholars of later-period Islamic philosophy and has grown to become one of the best-known Muslim philosophers. Iksir al-'arifin, or Elixir of the Gnostics, is unique among Sadra's writings in that it reworks and amplifies an earlier Persian work, the Jawidan-nama (Book of the Everlasting) by Afdal al-Din Kashani, or Baba Afdal.

The underlying theme of Sadra's amplification is emblematic of Muslim philosophy: the importance of self-knowledge in an individual's journey of "Origin and Return," the soul's origins with God and its eventual return to Him. Everything, Sadra says, is on such a path, gradually disengaging from the material world and returning to a transcendent essence—all leading to a final fruition in which everything in the universe returns to God and finds permanent happiness. Philosophy, Sadra argues, is the most direct means to self-knowledge—and thus the best tool for navigating this journey.

This treatise is an exposition of Imam Musa ibn JaÔfar al-KazimÕs (Ôa) selected mystical and philosophical traditions (ahadith) through the blessed pen of His Eminence ÔAllamah Hasan Mustafawi, who was himself a man of divine gnosis and mystical knowledge. As part of his signature style, after giving commentary on some aspects of Imam al-KazimÕs (Ôa) life experience, ÔAllamah Mustafawi embarks on a profound exposition of selected traditions in 25 sections.

This exposition encompasses a wide array of mystical and philosophical subjects that include:

Life, power, and decree; knowledge about the knowledge of God; types of limits vis-ˆ-vis polytheism; negation of time, place, and limitation for God; proximity, dimension, and kinds of limitation; body and form;
Ascension and veils of light; witnessing the Absolute and All-encompassing Light; the meaning of ÔAl-SamadÕ (the Sublime) and ÔKalimat AllahÕ (Word of God); the Greatest Name (ism al-aÔzam) and ÔAsaf ibn BarkhiyaÕ; meaning of nearness to God and Ôbeside GodÕ (janb Allah);
Levels of felicity and wretchedness; knowledge of the Unseen; knowledge of the prophets and angels; creation of the prophets for prophethood; responsibility for sin; and memorization of 40 traditions.

Volume thirty-nine covers the commentary on Sūras al-Ma’ārij (Chapter 70), Nūḥ (Chapter 71), al-Jinn (Chapter 72), al-Muzzammil (Chapter 73), al-Muddaththir (Chapter 74), al-Qiyāmah (Chapter 75), al-Insān (Chapter 76), and al-Mursalāt (Chapter 77). These chapters explore themes of divine justice, human accountability, the role of prophets, and the spiritual and moral guidance provided by the Qur’ān. In Sūrah al-Ma’ārij, ʿAllāmah examines the human tendency toward impatience and greed, contrasting it with the virtues of steadfastness and trust in God. The commentary emphasizes the significance of preparation for the Day of Judgment and highlights the qualities that distinguish the pious, such as prayer, charity, and honesty. Sūrah Nūḥ narrates the mission of Prophet Nūḥ, illustrating his perseverance in calling his people to monotheism. ʿAllāmah reflects on the consequences of rejecting divine guidance and the inevitability of divine justice. The chapter serves as a reminder of God’s mercy for those who heed His call and the ultimate accountability of all human actions. In Sūrah al-Jinn, ʿAllāmah explores the existence of the jinn and their acknowledgment of the Qur’ān’s truth. The chapter discusses the nature of revelation and its impact on both human and non-human creation. ʿAllāmah also addresses the themes of submission to God and the limitations of human knowledge regarding the unseen. The commentary on Sūrah al-Muzzammil reflects on the spiritual discipline and devotion required of believers. ʿAllāmah examines the significance of night prayer and the recitation of the Qur’ān as means of drawing closer to God. He also addresses the gradual nature of spiritual and societal transformation, emphasizing the importance of patience and persistence.

Volume eighteen begins the commentary on Sūrah al-Tawbah (Chapter 9), covering verses 1–129. This volume addresses key theological, historical, and social themes, with a focus on the nature of divine commands, treaties, repentance, and the consequences of hypocrisy. The volume opens with an analysis of the proclamation of repudiation (barāʾah) against the idolaters who violated their treaties (verses 1–16). ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabaʿī examines the ethical principles underlying this proclamation, highlighting that treaties were only revoked in response to repeated treachery by the disbelievers. This section highlights the Qurʾānic emphasis on justice and the importance of fulfilling obligations. A central theme in this volume is the nature and conditions of divine mercy and forgiveness (verses 17–28). ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabaʿī elaborates on the requirements for repentance and its transformative power in repairing the relationship between humanity and God. He reflects on the sanctity of sacred sites and the responsibility of believers to uphold them. The commentary provides an extensive discourse on the Battle of Tabūk (verses 29–75). ʿAllāmah analyzes the circumstances leading to this campaign, the trials faced by the Prophet and his companions, and the behavior of the hypocrites who attempted to undermine the Muslim community. The discussion includes reflections on the spiritual and social dimensions of jihād, illustrating its role as a collective effort to uphold truth and justice. ʿAllāmah also discusses the Prophet’s migration (hijrah) from Mecca to Medina, referencing verse 9:100. He reflects on the migration’s significance as a pivotal moment in Islamic history, representing the establishment of a just and unified Muslim community. The verse emphasizes the virtues among the Muhājirūn (Emigrants) and the Anṣār (Helpers), highlighting their sacrifices and unwavering faith as examples for all believers.

Where do I go after death? Would I return once again?

Intellectuals and philosophers tried to answer these questions to realize the truth and satisfy themselves, so that they may hand over the conclusions of their research to others. The Holy Qur'an has stressed on this matter more than other heavenly scriptures, and has explained its various aspects in many verses. Deep contemplation on the verses of this heavenly Book, along with their interpretation through the sayings of the Messenger of Allah (s) and the Holy Imams (`a) can enable us to understand life after death.

Volume twenty-six continues the commentary on Sūrah al-Kahf (Chapter 18), covering the chapter in its entirety. This volume explores its rich narratives and profound themes, emphasizing the Qurʾānic guidance on faith, trials, and divine wisdom. The chapter begins with the story of the Companions of the Cave (verses 9–26). ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabaʿī explores the historical and symbolic dimensions of this narrative, highlighting its lessons on steadfastness in faith, reliance on divine providence, and the transient nature of worldly power. The commentary reflects on the spiritual and social implications of seeking refuge in God during times of moral and societal corruption. The narrative of the owner of the two gardens (verses 32–44) serves as a parable about the dangers of arrogance and attachment to material wealth. ʿAllāmah emphasizes the Qurʾānic critique of ingratitude and self-conceit, drawing attention to the moral consequences of neglecting one’s responsibilities toward God and society. The volume includes an analysis of the encounter between Prophet Moses and al-Khiḍr (verses 60–82), a story that explores the nature of divine wisdom and human understanding. ʿAllāmah discusses the lessons of patience, humility, and submission to God’s will, illustrating how apparent contradictions in life can align with divine justice and purpose when viewed through a deeper spiritual lens. The final major narrative addresses Dhū al-Qarnayn and his journey to establish justice (verses 83–102).