Detailed Description
Muslim religious life not only consists of belief in orthodox tenets of faith and a determined effort to follow the Sacred Law, it also requires one to scale the heights of the spiritual path. The Kitab al-Hikam of Shaykh Ibn ‘Ata’illah al-Iskandari is the inspiring explanation of the soul’s journey through this life, as determined through the Qur’an and Sunna. Along with his treatises and intimate discourses (munajat), the substantive feature of the work is the author’s 264 spiritual aphorisms (hikam)—concise, comprehensive and sublime sayings on self purification (tazkiya), and guidelines to help strengthen the relationship between humans and their Lord. These aphorisms, which have never failed to inspire, are presented in this edition according to the systematic arrangement of the great Indian scholar Shaykh ‘Ali Muttaqi (d. 975/1567), together with the indispensable commentary of the twentieth-century sage Shaykh ‘Abdullah Gangohi.
Editorial Reviews
Enhancing one’s love for the Divine by reforming the inner and outer self is an obligation for everyone, and is the purpose of sufism. . . and this book is the fragrant essence of sufism.
Late founder of Khayr al-Madaris, Multan, Pakistan
The style of the commentary reflects the intimate teachings communicated from Master to disciple; and brings the inner meanings of the Qur’an and the Sunna to life for readers on all levels of comprehension and faith traditions.
University of Georgia, USA
Sometimes you encounter works which just make you re-evaluate your whole connection to Allah Most High. They make you realise the faqr (poverty) of your affair, and your distance from that which you thought you were close. Glorified is Allah. The Kitab al-Hikam is one such text. It has been serving wayfarers throughout the ages, in their quest to know their Most Majestic Lord.
American University of Sharjah, UAE
[The] commentary Ikmal al-Shiyam is an invaluable addition to our understanding of Ibn ‘Ata’illah’s thought, as well as an aid to those who seek better to apply his wisdom to their daily lives.
Translator of Ibn ‘Ata’illah’s Kitab al-Lata’if (The Subtle Blessings)
Using the late Professor Victor Danner’s translation, Booso has matched the elegance of the language in Danner’s translation with his editing of Gangohi’s Ikmal al-Shiyam. A welcome addition to the field of Islam and Sufism.
Widow of Victor Danner and translator of Ibn ‘Ata’illah’s Miftah al-Falah (The Key to Salvation)
Commentary literature on the Kitab al-Hikam has been acknowledged as a genre that has been almost overlooked by both translators and scholars and The Book of Wisdoms makes a good step towards rectifying this situation.
University of Tasmania, Australia