Kitab at-Tabaqat al-Kabir (Volume VI )

Ibn Ḥibbān (d. 354 AH) stated concerning this classical work:

“I clarify in this book that which will beautify for the wise person the practice of praiseworthy characteristics and make the practice of reprehensible characteristics seem ugly while intending to refrain and abstain from persistently increasing in these bad qualities, to lighten the load for the bearer and enlighten the ear of the listener. And because of the various narrations and verses of poetry that will be mentioned in this book, the one who strives to study each chapter in depth will wish that they would never end. And whoever refuses to reach completeness and success is, in reality, accepting inadequacy. Allāh is the Granter of success and the Guider to integrity. And I ask Him for rectification of the soul and a pardon from punishment of sins. Indeed, He is the Most Generous, Noble, Compassionate, and Merciful.”

The author bases this work upon what is found in the Qur’ān and authentic Sunnah, and upon the statements of the Salaf of this nation.

Strong Muslims are capable of malting a choice of personality to mimic and remain steadfast on it, while the weak and ignorant are prone to get mislead. So, more than ever, it is incumbent upon us to talk to our youth, and even we adults should reflect on the greatness of our great Muslim heroes from our Islamic past, who built the most glorious and powerful civilization of all, who took a crass society of measly people and gave them Islam that dramatically improved their lives. Darussalam is presenting this book to our youth hoping that they will find in it great examples, persons and models to follow and develop their own personalities accordingly.