Sufi Teachings — Ahmad Ibn Al-Arif, Jean Louis Bour | Al Bouraq Editions

Presentation

A true treasure of Islamic spirituality, Sufi Teachings is an essential collection that provides access to the depths of the mystical path as it has been lived and transmitted by the great masters of Islam. Written by Ahmad Ibn Al-Arif, an eminent Sufi master of al-Andalus, this work guides the reader through the stations and states of the soul that mark the journey toward God. Accessible to both beginners and advanced seekers, it constitutes a precious guide for anyone aspiring to deepen their inner life.

Content

• Divine gnosis (ma'rifa): exploration of the different degrees of knowledge of God, from simple belief to the contemplation of saints.
• Will and asceticism (zuhd): the foundations of detachment from the world and inner discipline as a path of purification.
• Trust in God (tawakkul): understanding and practicing complete surrender to divine Providence at each level of spiritual maturity.
• Patience and gratitude (sabr and shukr): two complementary pillars of the spiritual heart, analyzed according to their ordinary and higher levels.
• Fear and hope (khawf and raja'): the balance between reverent fear and hope, essential to all progress on the path.
• Divine love (mahabba): the pinnacle of spiritual life, reserved for those close to God, explained with clarity and depth.

For Whom?

This work is addressed to any adult Muslim wishing to understand the foundations of Sufism and classical Islamic spirituality. It is equally suitable for the ordinary believer seeking to enrich their faith, for the student of Islamic sciences, the researcher in comparative mysticism, or anyone attracted to the inner dimension of Islam. Its reading is facilitated by a pedagogical presentation that clearly distinguishes the levels of understanding and practice.

The Author

Ahmad Ibn Al-Arif (1088–1141) is one of the greatest Sufi masters of Muslim Andalusia, recognized for the profundity of his teaching and the purity of his spiritual path. His major work, Mafâhim al-qulûb (Awakenings of Hearts), from which the present teachings are drawn, exercised considerable influence on the Islamic mystical tradition in the Muslim West. His thought, both rigorous and accessible, continues to inspire generations of spiritual seekers to this day.

Editorial Information