Notions That Must Be Corrected

Notions That Must Be Corrected is one of the best-known works of the late Makkan scholar Shaykh Muhammad b. ʿAlawi al-Maliki al-Hasani رحمه الله.

In this wide-ranging work, the author addresses a number of theological, devotional and legal questions that have become sources of controversy among Muslims. His stated aim is to clarify what he considers the balanced position of Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jamaʿa, while grounding his discussion in the Qurʾan, the Sunna and the inherited scholarly tradition.

Rather than treating these questions in isolation, Shaykh Muhammad al-Maliki examines the principles behind them and discusses how misunderstandings in creed, devotional practice and legal terminology can lead to unnecessary conflict.

Three major areas of discussion.

The book is broadly divided into three major sections.

Part I – Matters of Doctrine.

The first section addresses questions of Islamic creed and theological terminology, including:

careless accusations of disbelief and misguidance, the distinction between Creator and creation, figurative language and interpretation, intermediation and intercession, the meaning and limits of shirk, innovation and the distinction between different types of innovation, Sufism and adherence to the Sacred Law, the Ashʿaris, principles relevant to theological disagreement.

A recurring concern is the danger of using theological labels too quickly or without sufficient precision.

Part II – Matters relating to the Prophet ﷺ.

The second section focuses on questions connected to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

the unique characteristics of the Prophet ﷺ, the reality of Prophethood, the humanity of the Prophet ﷺ, seeking blessings through the Prophet ﷺ, relics and traces associated with the Prophet ﷺ, love, reverence and proper etiquette towards him.

The author seeks to distinguish, from his perspective, between legitimate veneration and forms of belief or practice that would cross theological boundaries.

Part III – Related devotional and theological questions, The final section addresses a number of related issues, including:, life in the barzakh, visiting the Prophet ﷺ, relics and sacred places, religious gatherings and occasions, other disputed devotional practices.