Notions That Must Be Corrected is perhaps the most important and renowned work of the late Sayyid, Shaykh Muhammad b. Alaw al-Maliki al-Hasani (ra). Throughout his masterpiece the author offers valuable and wise words of caution against extremism and invites the Muslims to the path of Ahl al-Sunna wal-Jam a, the hallmark of which is tolerance and moderation. Sayyid Muhammad expertly clarifies the correct position relating to numerous controversial contemporary topics whilst maintaining strict adherence to the Quran, the Sunna, and the way of the Salaf. The book itself has been divided into three parts, the first of which is concerned with areas of research relating to Islamic doctrine, including clarifying the corruption found in the criterion for imputing others with disbelief and misguidance, as well as concepts such as intermediation and intercession. The second section deals with issues relating to the Prophet, including his unique characteristics, the reality of Prophecy, the reality of humanity, and the correct understanding of seeking blessings from the Prophet e and his relics. The final part deals with miscellaneous areas of research including the Isthmus life (barzakh), the legality of visiting the Prophet e, and other related matters such as relics, sanctuaries, and festive religious occasions.
Scores of Islamic scholars hailing from all parts of the world wrote commendations for this work, while many more have taught from it, or written about it in their articles. The huge positive impact the book made in Islamic circles unfortunately led to hardship for the noble Shaykh in his home country due to misguided verdicts levelled against him. He was prevented from teaching in the Masjid al-Haram and his position at Umm al-Qurra University was also terminated. Numerous vicious personal attacks and baseless replies from those who opposed the methodology of Ahl al-Sunna were also published. In response to this, leading scholars throughout the world vehemently defended the noble Shaykh and wrote extensive and decisive refutations of his detractors.