Preface to the First Edition
When, in 1357 A.H. (1938), I first came to the Punjab to reside in Darul Islam (near Pathankot, East Punjab), I began organizing Friday prayers and explaining Islam to the nearby villagers. This collection consists of the congregational addresses I prepared during that period. My audience consisted primarily of farmers from Punjab whose mother tongue was not Urdu. Therefore, I had to adopt a style and language easily understandable to the common man. This collection thus came into being and, insha’Allah, it will prove useful for teaching Islam to the masses.
I have already explained the fundamental beliefs of Islam in some detail in my Towards Understanding Islam. The Shari‘ah has also been briefly discussed there. This present collection elaborates more fully on two other important themes: (1) the meaning and spirit of Islam, and (2) worship. I hope that those who read these addresses, alongside Towards Understanding Islam, will, by Allah’s grace, find sufficient light for their journey along the path of Islam.
When delivering these addresses as a Friday khutbah, each should be preceded by the traditional opening words of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). For the second part of the khutbah, any standard Arabic sermon may be used.
Syed Maududi
Lahore
15 Ramadan 1359 A.H.
[November 1940]
