Book picks similar to
On Knowing This World (Great Books of the Islamic World) by Abu Hamid al-Ghazali
al-ghazali
classical-islam
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Purification of the Mind
عبد القادر الجيلاني - 1997
These discourses, like the ones found in some of his other books, would have been transcribed by some of his listener. There are a number of surviving manuscripts of the book. The language of Shaikh 'Abd Al-Qadir's discourses is often permeated by symbolic references, metaphorical images, and poetic expressions. This style, which is characteristic of the Shaikh's discourses, reflects a number of facts. First, the Shaikh often speaks about spiritual matters that are completely unfamiliar to the layperson and which the language is incapable of describing with accuracy. These, in the Shaikh's words, are states, stations, visions, and experiences that "no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and has never occurred to any human being." Second, the Shaikh's words spring as much from his heart as from his mind, describing feelings as well as thoughts. He is forced to use common words to describe feelings that are known only to those who have had those spiritual experiences. No language is equipped enough to describe these feelings, in the same way that no words can assist in describing color to one born blind because it requires visual experience. Third, the Shaikh often speaks about secret and intimate spiritual issues that he does not want to or cannot fully disclose, thus wrapping his words in metaphors. The words of Shaikh Al-Jilani do not describe one spiritual state and are not targeted at one person. They paint a fascinating picture of a myriad of spiritual states and stations and apply to people of very different beginnings, paths, and ends. The destination is the same, but the routes are different. Also different wayfarers end their journeys at different points. What is good for someone might not good for another, and what is required of two different people might be completely different, even though both have the same goal. This is why understanding the Shaikh's words and their applications is a science in its own right. As Sufis say: "The ways to Allah are as many as the creatures." The words of the Shaikh remain as relevant to the seeker of the truth and nearness to God as they were when he uttered them almost one thousand years ago. For sure, the world has changed a lot, but man's nature has not, and the diseases of his heart remain the same. The Shaikh's words address these diseases and show man the way to salvation. His words lived a thousand years and will live to the day when this transient world is no more and is replaced by the permanent one. Like all beacons of truth, the Shaikh has been the target of attacks of the ignorant, the narrow minded, and the misguided. As happened to others who understood Islam to be about works of the heart not acts of the body, this pious servant, whose life was fully dedicated to serving his Lord, has often been accused of distorting the message of Prophet Muhammad by those who wanted to hijack Islam and turn it into a spiritless, legalistic system to serve their worldly ambitions. But, as history has been confirming everyday, the voice of truth can never be silenced and the words of wisdom will remain inerasable. It is ignorance of this fact, as well as mistaking falsehood for truth, that must have made some misguided individuals to use terrorism against the Shaikh as they bombed his shrine in Baghdad on 28th May 2007, damaging parts of it. These and similar criminals do not realize that what made great masters such as Shaikh 'Abd Al-Qadir live forever is not buildings that commemorate them or books written about them, but the teachings and examples they set that live in people's minds and love for God that they helped them develop in their hearts. This is why almost one thousand years after his departure from this world people still feel immensely honored to serve the Shaikh and his sacred cause, including making his words more accessible to people.
Light For The Lost Soul | Volume 1: Seeking Contentment For The Troubled Heart
Mizz Nina - 2021
It is filled with intimate reflections from the author’s spiritual journey as a seeker of peace. It also offers guided steps for one’s spiritual development that are extracted from her knowledge-seeking pursuits with teachers of the deen and international scholars. In this life, many lights will attract us, yet they blind us, pulling us further into the darkness. But there is one light that will lead us back to peace. There is one light that will guide us to the contentment we seek.
Prayers for Forgiveness
الحسن البصري - 2004
Forgiveness means a way out, a second chance, a feeling of hope with which to turn a new page in life. It is through the seeking of forgiveness that we begin to understand that there is no reason whatsoever to despair of the mercy of God. Islam encourages us to not run away in fear of Allah but rather to turn toward God the same way a baby would run into its mother's lap. So lovingly does God, Most High, address His sinful servants: "Say (to humanity, O Muhammad): O My servantsthose (of you) who have committed (sins in great) excess against their own soulsnever despair of the mercy of Allah! For, indeed, Allah forgives sins, one and all. Indeed, it is He who is the All-Forgiving, the Mercy-Giving. So turn in penitence to your Lord. And submit yourselves to Him." (The Qur'an 39:53-54) This collection of seventy prayers for forgiveness [istighfarat] is attributed to one of the greatest spiritual luminaries of the past, Hasan al-Basri, and it has been presented here to offer a way for us to navigate through the complications and pitfalls of this life. Set out in Arabic script, with adjoining translation in English, this edition also includes transliteration of the prayers to facilitate reading for those who are not so well-versed in Arabic.
The Eternal Challenge: A Journey Through the Miraculous Qur'an
Abu Zakariya - 2015
To most non-Muslims though, the Qur'an remains a mystery. What do you know about the book that shapes the lives and eternal destinies of over a quarter of the world's population?The Eternal Challenge: A Journey Through the Miraculous Qur'an makes it vividly clear why the Qur'an has captivated the hearts and minds of Muslims around the world. Aimed at Muslims and non-Musilms alike, this book is written in an accessible style which requires no prior knowledge of Islam. It covers what the Qur'an teaches, explores its main themes and provides compelling reasons why it is the word of God.You can order and read this book at: http://www.onereason.org/eternalchall...
Command the Morning
D.K. Olukoya - 2013
God will open your eyes to certain deep truths, which will completely transform your life and make you exceptional.This topic is so uncommon that many people spend their entire lifetime without knowing anything about it. Yet, such knowledge determines a lot of things.The truth, however, is that what we are considering in this chapter cannot be found on the surface of the scriptures. They are like hidden treasures tucked away in some chests. Hence, we shall examine some of the deepest scriptures ever found in the word of God.These deep Scriptures can make a great difference between living or dying, enjoying victory or suffering defeat, living under abject poverty or enjoying stupendous wealth. In fact, what you are going to discover in this book will determine a lot of things in your life in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. You will discover the secrets of doing exploits for God and reigning in the realm of the supernatural.By the time you learn how to pray in line with what you will discover, every area of your life will move forward by fire.
Introduction to My Gita (Free Chapter)
Devdutt Pattanaik - 2015
We will continuously journey between the outer world of relationships and the inner world of thoughts and emotions. We will begin by appreciating how we look at the world and ourselves (darshan). Then we will understand the architecture of the world we inhabit, composed of the tangible and the intangible, both within and around us (atma, deha, dehi, karma). After that, we will see how humans can socially connect (dharma, yagna, yoga). Then we will appreciate the idea of God (deva, bhagavan, brahmana, avatara), located in all of us, that helps us cope with our fears that disconnect us from society. Lack of faith in the divine within makes us seek solace outside, in property (kshetra, maya). Because of this, a tug-of-war ensues between the inside and the outside. As long as we cling (moha), we are trapped. As soon as we let go, we are liberated (moksha). We become independent and content in our own company (atma-rati) yet generous and dependable for the other (brahmanirvana).
Karma Sutra: Cracking the Karmic Code
Hingori - 2014
During his early years, when the author contracted arthritis and suffered it for 10 years. Then he met his spiritual teacher, who cured him in 60 seconds flat! The minute that happened, his life changed.The second half of his life was devoted to practice, philosophy and philanthropy. His learnings, which are the secrets of the spiritual path, have been guardedly kept close to his chest. But as he approaches the final phase of his life, he has decided to share them with those fortunate enough to receive them.So here is spiritualism; not sacrificed, but SIMPLIFIED.
Healing Spirits
Sally Morgan - 2009
When loved ones die, where do they go? Are they still with us? If so, can they see us, even hear us? How can we communicate with them? This book explores the process of grieving and the earth-shattering feeling that comes from losing someone close to us.
It Will All Make Sense When You're Dead: Messages From Our Loved Ones in the Spirit World
Priscilla A. Keresey - 2011
After a brief tale of her own introduction to the paranormal, the author shares funny, poignant, and insightful words straight from the spirit people themselves. Together, the living and the dead seek forgiveness, solve family mysteries, find closure, settle scores, and come together for birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. Quoting directly from her readings and séances, Priscilla reports the spirit perspective on mental illness, suicide, religion, and even the afterlife itself. For those readers interested in developing their own spirit communication skills, the last section of the book offers meditations and exercises used by the author herself, both personally and with her students. "It Will All Make Sense When You’re Dead" is chock-full of simple and entertaining wisdom, showing us how to live for today, with light hearts and kindness.
Muhammad: The Messenger of God: An Analysis of the Prophet's Life
M. Fethullah Gülen - 2005
This book presents Prophet Muhammad in the different roles he assumed within his community as a father, husband, statesman, chief of staff, and an individual with utmost compassion, wisdom, grace, humility, and trustworthiness.
Questioning Islam: Tough Questions & Honest Answers About the Muslim Religion
Peter Townsend - 2014
Among these questions the most important one of all sometimes gets lost: Is Islam true? With his new book author Peter Townsend invites you to accompany him on a journey through the foundational texts of the Muslim religion. In the process the truth-claims of Islam will be respectfully, honestly and impartially evaluated. Along the way the following questions will be asked: - Can the traditional Islamic historical accounts be trusted? - Is the Qur'an a 'Perfect Book, Perfectly Preserved'? - Was Muhammad indeed a 'Beautiful Pattern of Conduct'? The answers to these questions will not be sought from modern commentaries on Islam. Instead Questioning Islam goes straight to the classic sources of Islam namely the Qur'an, hadiths (traditions) and biographies of Muhammad. Questioning Islam is not an attempt to promote any other belief system or ideology. Its focus is simply on asking the hard questions about Islam that are all too often ignored or swept under the carpet. Simply put, if you have ever wondered whether the truth-claims of Islam can withstand critical scrutiny then this book is for you!
God Still Speaks: Are We Listening?
A.W. Tozer - 2014
W. Tozer was a man who knew the voice of God. He shared this experience with every true child of God. With all those who are called by the grace of God to share in the mystical union that is possible with Him through His Son Jesus. Tozer fought against much dryness and formality in his day. Considered a mighty man of God by most Evangelicals today, he was unconventional in his approach to spirituality and had no qualms about consulting everyone from Catholic Saints to German Protestant mystics for inspiration on how to experience God more fully. Here are two writings by Tozer that touch on the heart of this goal. Revelation is Not Enough and The Speaking Voice. Also included is a bonus chapter The Menace of the Religious Movie. This is meat to sink your spiritual teeth into. Tozer's writings will show you the way to satisfy your spiritual hunger.
Final Warning
Carl Gallups - 2015
In Final Warning beloved pastor and best-selling author Carl Gallups explores the stunning visions of the Apostle John as found in the seven trumpets of Revelation and overlays them on major events in the 20th and 21st centuries. How do the two world wars line up with John the Revelator's visions? Could it really be that the Chernobyl meltdown was foretold in the Bible almost two thousand years before it happened? Does the rebirth of Israel indicate the Last Days are upon us? Was the same Apollyon mentioned in "trumpet five" responsible for the darkening of the sky during the Gulf War? Is the United States mentioned in biblical prophecy? Gallups has scoured historical, military, and journalistic sources to address these questions and more. An incredible journey of contextual biblical understanding and astounding prophetic possibilities await as you discover why today's signs could be the final warning.
Experience the Now: How to Increase Your Level of Consciousness
Sullins Stuart - 2012
“Experience the Now” is a lecture delivered by spiritual teacher Sullins Stuart, author of the Amazon Top 100 spiritual best seller "Living in Conscious Harmony: A Spiritual Guide to Being in the Now."Stuart begins by briefly sharing how he met his spiritual teacher, and then addresses two key elements to experiencing the Now: understanding the different levels of consciousness andexplaining tools and techniques you can utilize to raise your level of consciousness and awareness."Experience the Now" is an invaluable resource for anyone desiring to live in the Now.
Be Patient and Paradise Will Be Yours
Darussalam - 2013
It is the best course of action in all situations. It is a cause for Allah’s mercy and help. It is a source of spiritual joy. The final victory in both matters of the world and Hereafter is only earned by patience and the good end belongs only to the patient ones. Our trials in this world are numerous and varied. Sometime, they comes as difficulties and some other times in forms of ease. Situations that life turns on us sometimes could stretch our will and faith to the extreame. In all situations, patience and eemaan remain our most valued companions for the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:“Whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patient.”(Bukhari)This book is a discussion of patience and how to develop that trait so that we might be a recipient of one of Allah’s greatest blessings