Sufi Books

This area is for those who would like to read materials on the traditional Sufi path that are in the English language.  While not a substitute for the direct connection to a living guide, these books provide a taste of what Sufiism is about.

To start with, this section will provide books recommended in the Sufi Talks with a short summary of their contents. More detailed reviews of these and other works are planned for the future, God willing.

If you have books that you would like to see listed, please provide the title of the book, your summary and/or review of it, and if possible a thumbnail of the book, and send it to:
webmaster@sufione.org. 

  

"The Book of Wisdom" by Ibn 'Ata'Illah, translated by Victor Danner. Paulist Press.

A collection of aphorisms by the 13th century C.E. (7th century A.H.) Sufi master of the Shadhili tariqa, The Book of Wisdom is a foundational work for all on the Sufi path. With ease, clarity and brevity the author illustrates core principles that are as meaningful for beginners as they are for more seasoned practitioners. Referenced in the talk on Revival of Sufiism in the West.
 

"The Book of Illumination" by Ibn 'Ata'Illah, translated by Scott Kugle. Fons Vitae.

A powerful work that speaks directly and in a practical manner on how to "desist from selfish calculation," in other words, removing oneself from trying to run one's own life by relying on Allah to do so. A provocative work that directly confronts the notion that we can strive for our own success outside of the will of God, the Book of Illumination instead leads us back to surrender to and reliance on God for all we have and do. Referenced in the talk on Revival of Sufiism in the West.
 

"Signs of the Unseen" by Jalaluddin Rumi, translated by W. M. Thackston, Jr. Shambhala.

Similar to the Mathnavi but in a more succinct fashion, Signs of the Unseen is a collection of teaching stories from the founder of the Mevlevi tariqa that provide a grounding in spiritual themes and concepts that are central to the sufi path (listen to the Signs of the Unseen talk for commentary on parts of this book).
 

"The Secret of Secrets" by Hadrat 'Abd al-Qadir al Jilani, interpreted by Shaykh Tosun Bayrak al-Jerrahi al-Halveti. ITS.

The Secret of Secrets, by the founder of all the Qadiri orders, including the Qadiri Butchishi, provides a succinct yet broad overview on the mystical path, including commentaries on the five pillars of Islam, remembrance, and Sufis and Dervishes. The book is mentioned in the talk on Zikr and Companionship.
 

"The Meccan Revelations, Volumes 1 and 2" by Ibn al'Arabi, edited by Michel Chodkiewicz. Pir Press.

Key chapters and topics exerpted from Ibn al'Arabi's "summa mystica" include the Divine Names, nature of spiritual experience, end of time, resurrection, stages of the path leading to sanctity, gnostic and sacred law, properties of the Qur'anic letters, secrets of Forgiveness and attainment of Divine Nearness. It is mentioned in the discouse Dimensions of Remembrance.