Ibn al-Arabi: The Spiritual Odyssey

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Ibn al-Arabi : The Spiritual Odyssey, New,
'Unveiling the Essence of the Path'
[A5+] Hardback - 162 pages,
'Al-Kunh fi ma la budda li al Murid Minhu'
by Al-Shaykh al Akbar Muhyi al-Din ibn al-Arabi,
Transl. & Annotated by Usman Ali,
Foreword by Shaykh 'Abd al-Rahman al-Sha'ar,
Published by Heritage Press.

Description :

Embark on an ascension of the soul as “The Spiritual Odyssey” reveals the profound teachings and mystical wisdom of al-Shaykh al-Akbar, may Allah be pleased with him, the Greatest Shaykh. This translation of his renowned introductory work on Sufism “al-Kunh”, The Essence, is a concise treatise written for the newcomer to Spiritual Wayfaring. It is a captivating book that takes you on an exploration of the spiritual path by one of the greatest spiritual masters in Islamic mysticism, providing a deep and enriching insight into the attainment of divine gnosis.

Allow yourself to be transported to the unseen realm, with a systematic formula to navigate your soul’s progression in the spiritual terrain where the veil between the physical and ethereal is lifted, revealing the sea of ancient secrets of gnosis. “The Spiritual Odyssey” unveils the principles and practices that guided Ibn al-ʿArabī’s own profound quest for the attainment of spiritual refinement and proximity to the Divine, delving into his visionary mystical insights and profound teachings of the soul’s journey and self-realisation.

An in-depth biography of the Sultan of the Gnostics is appended to the introduction, providing the backdrop and inextricable rich personal experience that shaped his spiritual ascension. A plethora of references from the words of the greatest masters of the Way, from al-Hakim al-Tirmidhi, al-Rifaʿi, al-Suhrawardi, al-Ghazzali, al-Zarruq, al-Shaʿrani and Ibn al-ʿArabi himself, can be found throughout in the commentary. All of which makes this manual oi Sufism and journey of self-realisation essential reading for every spiritual aspirant and student of the Spiritual Way.

Shaykh al-Akbar Muhammad b. 'Ali al-'Arabi al-Hatimi al-Ta'i, may Allah be pleased with him, commonly known and referred to as Ibn 'Arabi, was a major figure of Islamic religious thought and of sufism, the mystical tradition of Islam. Ibn 'Arabi was born in Murcia in al-Andalus, Islamic Spain, on 27 July 1165 (17 Ramadan 560).

He grew up in a privileged position, as a result of his father's various posts of political importance. Inclining in his later teen years toward a quest for intellectual, religious and spiritual truth, Ibn 'Arabi spent the rest of his life on this path. From his late twenties, he began his physical journeys outward from Spain, first to the Maghrib several times and, in following years, to various points in the East.

In 1223, Ibn 'Arabi finally settled in Damascus where, now finished with his wanderings, he lived out his remaining years, working assiduously and producing a number of important works; among these was the Fusus al-Hikam, which Ibn 'Arabi received a vision of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, in that city.

Table of Contents :

---Reader Request,
---Transliteration Key,
---Translator's Introduction.

---Translation of 'Al-Kunh fi ma la budda li al Murid Minhu'
------Introduction.

---Section One : That which is Imperative for the Aspirant,
------Actions are in Conformity with Faith,
------Securing the Foundations:
---------Oneness, Unicity and the Absolution of the Creator,
------Belief in the Messengers and the Love of the Companions,
------Veneration of the Righteous and the Spiritually Accomplished,
------Upholding a Good Opnion for All,
------Silence and Sincerity:
---------Cornerstones of the Path,
------A Spiritual Guide and Sincerity,
------Earning a Lawful Morsel,
------Avoiding Carnal Desires,
------Hunger and Obedience,
------Organisation of Time and Prayer,
------Prayer and Sleep,
------Recitation of the Qur'an and it's Requisite Etiquette,
------Self-Reflection,
------Controlling One's Thoughts,
------Ritual Purity and Prayer,
------Refining One's Character and Etiquette,
------The Divine Decree and Pre-Destination,
------Noble Conduct and Displeasure for the Sake of Allah,
------Keeping Good Company and Solitude,
------Raising a Child,
------Avoidance of the Ruling Elite,
------Open Handedness and Complete Reliance upon the Sustainer.

---Section Two : Cardinal Virtues of the Aspirant,
------Controlling One's Anger,
------Striving for Excellence and Bashful Modesty,
------Clinging to Remembrance and Repentance,
------Turning in Repentance & Doing Away with Premeditation,
------Having God-fearing Piety,
------Avoiding Delusions and Devilish Insinuations,
------Scrupulousness and Piety,
------Abstinence of the Material World.

---Appendices,
------Bibliography,
------Index.