In this work Shah Wali Allah has discussed many philosophical themes. He does not take philosophy as probing into the subtleties of speculation in which philosophers are interested, or knowing the reality of the disclosures made by the mystics in an intuitive state of mind. The study of Philosophy, according to him, is useful because it guides man in his search for wisdom, pursuit of knowledge and study of natural sciences. TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface Contents Glorification-cum-blessing Introduction Reality of Being Forms Human Specific Nature 1. FIRST MAQALA Predictions of Humanity Rational Soul Cardinal Virtues Supplement Socio-Economics First Phase Domestic Philosophy Acquired Philosophy Exchange Co-operation Third Phase Qualifications of a Leader Qualifications of a Qadi Corruption of Citizens Military Expedition Teacher of People Chief of People Helpers of Leader Caliph of Caliphs Customs Corruption of Phases Internal Constitutions Reality of Socio-Economic Development 2. SECOND MAQALA Predictions of Humanity Names of God 99 Names of God Commentary of the Verse Faith in Destiny Reality of Man Three Veils Creation of Worship from Benevolence Aspects of Polytheism Trials, Resurrection Emanation of Evil Kinds of Evil Trials Future Life Stage of Grave Punishment and Blessing in Grave Gathering, Paradise, hell Punishment Ranks of People Perfect Persons Ashab Yamin Ashab A'raf Hypocrites Merit of Actions Proof of Prophecy Classes of Prophets, Stages of Revelation Predications of prophet Angel and Devil 3. THIRD MAQALA Last Religion Religion and Laws Necessary Religion Reality of an Upright Religion Sciences of Prophets Objects of Law of the Holy Prophet Principles of Religion Cleanliness Prayer Poor Tax Fast Pilgrimage Litanies Fine Characters Evil Customs Advice Index About The Author Qutb al-Din Ahmad ibn 'Abd al-Rahim, popularly known as Shah Waliullah, lived at a critical juncture of Muslim history. India had enjoyed the peaceful and prosperous rule of the Mughals for more than 200 years, but by the time of Shah Wali Allah, mutually hostile principalities had begun to emerge. Many of the newly emerging quasi independent states were the result of the rising influence of the militant Maratha, Sikh and Hindu communities and Muslim power and glory in the sub-continent, as in other parts of the world, were gradually eroded. It was at this time of utter despair and despondency for Muslims that Shah Wali Allah was born. He is among the later scholars who carried the traditions of Al-Ghazzali and Imam Shatibi in combining the essential of Shari'ah, its understanding, development and interpretation to the issues and problems of life. He like Al-Ghazzali took deep stock of Akhira as the explaining point of the relationship between worldly existence and the Hereafter in a meaningful way.