As we move to the third night of this tour, I am moved by the dedication and sheer amount of work that has gone into releasing this edition of Dala’il al-Khayrat and the value of the additional book in the set: An introduction to Dala’il al-Khayrat (in English and Arabic).

Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi has used over 760 books, and looked through thousands, to bring us authentic and rare insights into the background of this masterpiece. An introduction like this has never been compiled before.

In particular, I am drawn to the sections about the biography of Imam al-Jazuli (ra) and as Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi shared his research into the life of this revered Saint, I am captivated, yet again, by the love that Imam al-Jazuli (ra) had for the Prophet ﷺ. 

Imam al-Jazuli included a total number of 781 names and attributes of the Prophet ﷺ in Dala’il al-Khayrat with 201 of these names being listed at the beginning. He used forms of salawat composed by some of the greatest Muslim scholars and gnostics, like Imam al-Shafi’i (ra) and Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (ra).

He also recited this book himself, three times a day during his period of seclusion of seven years, and spent three years reciting Dala’il al-Khayrat daily at the Blessed Rawdah Sharifah of the Prophet ﷺ. He was known to see the Prophet ﷺ in his dreams and waking states! Subhana Allah.

Hearing these miracles brings me hope that a book composed by a great lover of the Prophet ﷺ, using the work of other great saints and scholars, and containing so much barakah, could help any of us who are yearning to develop or build on a connection to our Beloved Prophet ﷺ. As Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi explains, by simply listening to the names and attributes of the Prophet ﷺ, we can become acquainted with, and reminded of who he is. We can start to know him ﷺ and realize what makes him unique, the Best of creation ﷺ and the Beloved of Allah ﷺ. We can be inspired to follow him ﷺ and to desire to be with him ﷺ and we can hope to see him in our dreams. 

The highlight of the evening was yet to come when we recited these blessed names in the company of Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi, a great grand-son of the Prophet ﷺ. He brings to us knowledge that has been rigorously researched and validated, in a fashion that has never been seen before. And he brings to us the connection to the Prophet ﷺ through his lineage and spiritually. 

The recitation is impactful and uplifting, spiritual lights are surrounding us and hearts are expanded.

I thank Allah for these precious moments – gifts for the intellect and the soul, and I thank Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi, a descendant and lover of the Prophet ﷺ for enlightening us about the magnificent work of Imam al-Jazuli (ra) another descendant and lover of the Prophet ﷺ.