The Subtle Blessings in the Saintly Lives of

This deeply personal reminiscence of one man's growth in Islamic mysticism is a tribute to the two great shaykhs who molded his spiritual life and vision. Filled with anecdotes illustrating the shaykhs' spiritual gifts and insights, the text not only conveys the beauty and inspiration of these men's lives and their utter devotion to God, but also helps readers to approach a life of devotion and inimitable blessings. Sufi interpretations of Qur'an passages and traditional Sufi spiritual litanies are included. An appendix features an account of female gnostic Hajja Zakia's life and devotion to Shaykh Abul Hasan and is augmented by a photographic essay.

Ibn ''Ata'' Allah al-Iskandari was both a Muhaddith and a Maliki jurist in the 13th century whose works became basic training manuals for aspirants across North Africa. A student of al-Mursi, he was the second to succeed Imam Abul-Hasan, the founder of the Shadhili Order, which continues to this day. Nancy Roberts has ten years of experience in translating materials in the areas of ancient and modern Arabic literature, health care, law, current events, Islamic law, and history.

Translator's Preface

vii

Introduction

1

(72)

An Interlude on the Theme of Saints' Miracles

73

(16)

An introduction to his shaykh from whom he received this status, and a testimony from the eminent scholars who were his contemporaries that he was the pole of his time and the standard bearer of his era for those who have been eye witnesses to the divine realities

89

(28)

On the shaykh's testimony that he was heir to the station of sainthood and the one who held the position of unquestioned preeminence, his reports concerning himself of the momentous blessings which had been bestowed upon him, and the testimony of the friends of God that through his arrival at the knowledge of God, he had attained the utmost that one could possibly desire

117

(16)

On his spiritual states and strivings, his disciples' experiences with him and his unveilings (mukashafat)

133

(18)

On his knowledge, his renunciation, his abstinence, his detachment from the world, his forbearance, his long-suffering and the rightness of his path

151

(36)

On verses from the book of God, exalted be He, whose meaning he clarified and whose import he expounded

187

(28)

On prophetic hadiths which he interpreted and whose inner meanings he brought to light based on Sufi teachings

215

(24)

On his explanations of difficult-to-understand statements by knowers of the truth which led him to the most beautiful of paths

239

(10)

On what he had to say concerning spiritual realities and stations and his clarification of difficult matters relating thereto

249

(58)

On the poetry which he recited, which was recited in his presence, or which was recited about him, and which contains mention of his unique attributes

307

(24)

On his dhikr and the supplication with which he concluded his lectures, the hizb which he arranged for those who were recipients of his knowledge and interpretations, and part of the supplication of Shaykh Abu al-Hasan (may God be pleased with him) and his two hizbs, with which this chapter concludes

331

(34)

Conclusion

365

(24)

Notes

389

(22)

Appendix

411

(40)

Index

451

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The Subtle Blessings in the Saintly Lives of Abul-Abbas al- Mursi And His Master Abul-Hasan

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials