The Garden of the Wise and the Excursion of the Virtuous

The book discusses human behavior with his Lord, himself, and his society. The book consists of fifty chapters covering what a person should adhere to in behavior towards himself, his Lord, and his society, including fifteen topics on self-discipline, and human conduct with his Lord such as adherence to reason and knowledge, contentment, and acceptance of hardships, patience through them. The remaining topics concern social manners and organizing human behavior in society. The reason for writing the book: Ibn Hibban said: When I saw the rabble of the world being deluded by their actions, and the ignorant among people imitating their examples, that prompted me to compile a light book, containing a pleasant meaning, of what rational people need in their days, to serve as a reminder for the wise in their presence, and as an aid for the intelligent in their absence, surpassing their peers in knowledge of it, and their equals in memorization. It is a true companion for the wise in solitude, and a comforting friend in wilderness. If he dedicates it to those he loves among his brothers, he will not miss it from his collection; and if he keeps it to himself from his close ones, he will excel over his peers.