Synopses & Reviews
An interpretative translation by Shaykh Tosun Bayrak of
Sirr al-Asrar by Hadrat Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (1077-1166AD), considered by many to be one of the greatest saints of Islam and the eponymous founder of the Qadiriyya order. This book, appearing in English for the first time, contains the very essence of Sufism, giving a Sufi explanation of how the outward practises of Islamprayer, fasting, almsgiving and pilgrimagecontain a wealth of inner dimension which must be discovered and enjoyed if external actions are to be performed in a manner pleasing to God. When this is achieved the soul finds true peace and the spiritual life becomes complete.
Synopsis
This book contains the very essence of Sufism, giving a Sufi explanation of the fundamental duties of Islam -- prayer, fasting, alms giving and pilgrimage. Secret of Secrets forms a bridge between al-Jilani's two famous works, Ghunyat al-talibin (Wealth for Seekers), which is meant to inspire men and women to be good practicing Muslims, and Futuh al-ghayb (Revelation of the Unseen), a late collection of lectures on mystical topics.
Synopsis
This best-selling translation of a classic of Islamic spirituality provides a Sufi interpretation of the outer practices of Islam: prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and pilgrimage.
About the Author
Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani, born near the Caspian Sea, was the son of the great saint Fatima bint ABook Descriptionullah al-Sawma'i. After a period of intense intellectual and mystical training he received the khirqa (robe of initiation) and was soon recognised as a saint and scholar, consulted, loved and revered by caliph and pauper alike. As one of the most venerated figures in Sufism his burial place in Baghdad still attracts numerous visitors from many countries.
Table of Contents
1. The Places of the Souls within the Body
2. On Knowledge
3. On Repentance
4. On Remembrance
5. On the Vision of God
6. The Veils of Light and Darkness
7. On the Purification of the Self
8. On the Meaning of Ritual Worship and Inner Worship
9. On Charity
10. On Fasting Prescribed by the Religion and on Spiritual Fasting
11. On the Pilgrimage to Mecca and the Inner Pilgrimage of the Heart
12. On Withdrawing from the World
13. On Dreams