The Refinement of Souls A Translation of Taj al-'Arusal-Hawi li Tahdhib al-Nufus

Welcome to The Islam Shop Ltd, your premier destination for authentic Islamic literature. Immerse yourself in the profound teachings of Sufi wisdom with our featured book, "The Refinement of Souls." This masterpiece is a translation of Imam Ibn Ata Allah Sakandari's Taj al-Arus al-Hawi li Tahdhib al-Nufus, a concise manual filled with spiritual instructions, aphorisms, and private discourses with the Divine, penned by a distinguished Sufi Master of the Shadhili Order.

Within the pages of "The Refinement of Souls," Imam Ibn Ata Allah delves into the intricacies of the spiritual journey, offering profound insights and practical guidance for seekers of all levels. This work is a testament to the author's deep understanding of Islamic spirituality, drawing from the Qur'an and Sunnah to illuminate themes such as repentance, the consequences of sin, the nature of the struggle against the lower self, envy, reliance on divine planning, and more.

The book is a treasure trove of wisdom, featuring illuminating stories and similitudes that enrich the reader's understanding of complex religious concepts. Whether you are a Sufi practitioner or someone exploring the depths of Islamic spirituality, "The Refinement of Souls" serves as a valuable guide for both beginners and advanced students.

Immerse yourself in the practical steps and essential states of being outlined by Imam Ibn Ata Allah, and embark on a transformative journey towards self-realization. This translation is a bridge between the classical teachings of Sufism and the contemporary reader, making the profound wisdom of the Shadhili Order accessible to all.

"The Refinement of Souls" is more than a book; it's a companion on your spiritual journey. Enhance your understanding of the divine and embrace the path to self-discovery with this timeless manual, available now at The Islam Shop Ltd.

Table of Contents

Introduction

• Author's Biography,
• His name and lineage and life,
• His school of thought,
• His shaykhs,
• His most prominent students and disciples,
• His acclaimed works,
• His miracles,
• What scholars have said about him,
• Transliteration Key.

The Refinement of Souls

• Introductory remarks,
• Repentance to Allah,
• Types of emulation,
• Where will you find goodness?
• Repentance gains Allah's love,
• Outer and inner effects of acts of disobedience,
• The struggle against the lower self,
• Warning against disobedience [to Allah],
• Envy is sheer ignorance,
• Whoever realizes the immediacy of his departure hastens to acquire provisions,
• The reality of faith,
• Who is a real man?
• The blessing of the gaze from a Friend of Allah (wali),
• Gaining favour with Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala,
• The Prophets' alayhim as-Salaam, and Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala's, Friends are the greatest means to Him,
• The triviality of this world (dunya),
• Holding one's self to account,
• The sweetness of faith,
• A persons close companions,
• Is there any buyer for our merchandise?
• Wisdom is the chain of the believer,
• How to cleanse your heart,
• The greatest blessing,
• Part of faith is to witness everything as coming from Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala,
• Limited intellects,
• A guide to Allah is rare,
• The heavens and the earth show courtesy to a Friend of Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, (wali),
• The miracles of the Prophets' salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam, Companions, radi Allahu ta'ala anhu,
• The beneficial prayer,
• The reasons for entry into Paradise and the Hellfire,
• The deficiency is in you and so is the veil,
• Renewal of faith,
• Whoever is honest with Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala,
• He will guard him against harm from his enemies,
• Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, is King, you are the shepherd and your limbs are your sheep,
• The manner of keeping company,
• The reality of God-consciousness (taqwa),
• The necessity of isolating and secluding yourself,
• The person praying, is privately conversing with Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, and His Messenger, salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam,
• The outer and inner major ritual impurity (janabah),
• Insight and wandering about aimlessly,
• O' slave, flee from this creation to the Creator,
• The intelligent person,
• Beware of attachment to other than Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala,
• The pure heart,
• The people of Allan were through Allah, so Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, was sufficient for them,
• Beneficial knowledge,
• The door to provision is open,
• Relinquishment of planning alongside Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala,
• An exposition for those who benefit from admonishment and seek insight,
• The gnostic has neither this world nor the Hereafter,
• This world is in their hands, not in their hearts,
• The hidden voices of realities (hawatif),
• The author's private discourses (munajat) with his Lord.

About The Author 

Ibn ʿAtā’ Allāh al-Sakandarī (d. 709 AH)

Ibn ʿAtā’ Allāh al-Sakandarī, who departed this world in the year 709 AH, stands as one of the most eminent Sufi masters within the Shādhilī Order. His profound spiritual insights and scholarly acumen have left an indelible mark on Islamic mysticism and scholarship.

Born into a world brimming with intellectual and spiritual fervor, Ibn ʿAtā’ Allāh al-Sakandarī rose to prominence as a beacon of wisdom and guidance. His association with the Shādhilī Order, a distinguished Sufi lineage, attested to his deep commitment to the spiritual path.

Beyond his role as a spiritual guide, Ibn ʿAtā’ Allāh al-Sakandarī was a polymath of his time, excelling in the realm of Islamic law. His expertise in jurisprudence was widely recognized, and he imparted his knowledge to eager minds in various educational institutions, including the prestigious al-Azhar mosque. As a teacher, he played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual landscape of his era.

Ibn ʿAtā’ Allāh al-Sakandarī's enduring legacy, however, lies in his prolific literary contributions. His masterpiece, "al-Ḥikam al-ʿAṭā’iyyah" (ʿAtā’s aphorisms), stands as a testament to his illuminated insights into the spiritual journey. This work, characterized by its profound wisdom and succinct aphorisms, has become a cornerstone of Sufi literature and is celebrated for its timeless relevance.

The Islam Shop Ltd is honored to present the works of Ibn ʿAtā’ Allāh al-Sakandarī, offering a glimpse into the spiritual treasures that have transcended centuries. As a source of inspiration for seekers of knowledge and spiritual enlightenment, his writings continue to resonate with those on the path of self-discovery and divine connection.

In making the teachings of Ibn ʿAtā’ Allāh al-Sakandarī accessible, The Islam Shop Ltd aims to contribute to the enrichment of hearts and minds, fostering a deeper understanding of Sufi wisdom and the transformative power of spiritual insight.

About The Publisher

Heritage Press

Heritage Press was founded in the United Kingdom in June 2013/1434 AH. As a publishing house, our objective is to contribute to the revival of the traditional Islamic sciences and the dissemination of sound knowledge through translations of authentic, classical and contemporary texts into the English language, so as to broaden the understanding of the general community, whilst maintaining a high academic standard. This goal is accomplished through our varied selection of texts across the Islamic sciences, such as Sacred Law (fiqh), spirituality (tasṣawwuf), Prophetic biography (sīrah) and other important Islamic subjects, written by some of the foremost traditional scholars of mainstream Sunni orthodoxy, both past and present. until now, numerous titles have been published by Heritage Press.

Additional Product Information

• ISBN 13: 978-099347-56-27
• ISBN: 10: 0993475627
• ISBN: 9780993475627
• SKU 1: TISTROS
• SKU 2: TIS
• SKU 3: 7562
• SKU 4: 9780993475627
• MPN: 7562
• ASIN: 9780993475627
• EAN: 7562
• REF.NO: 7562
• Author: Shaykh Muḥammad ibn ʿAlawī al-Mālikī
• Edited and illustrated By:  Shaykh Muḥammad ibn ʿAlawī al-Mālikī
• Translated & Annotated By: Amjad Mahmood
• Publisher: Heritage Press
• Imprint: Heritage Press
• Publication Date: April 2022
• Edition: Second
• Cover: Hardback / Hardcover / Hardboard / Hardbound
• Format: Hardback / Hardcover / Hardboard / Hardbound
• Binding: Hardback / Hardcover / Hardboard / Hardbound
• Pages: 101
• Dimensions: 24x16cm Approx
• Weight: 400g
• Digital Bank

Share