Al-Qasd al-Mujarrad fi Ma'rifat al-Ism al-Mufrad

Al-Qasd al-Mujarrad fi Ma'rifat al-Ism al-Mufrad is a spiritual treatise written by the 13th-century Sufi scholar Ibn Ata Allah al-Iskandari. The text focuses on the divine names of Allah and their significance in Islamic spirituality and practice. The book contains systematic explanations of how seekers can develop their understanding of divine names through contemplation and remembrance. Ibn Ata Allah presents methods for spiritual advancement while addressing common obstacles practitioners may encounter on their path. Through a combination of theological analysis and practical guidance, the work establishes connections between divine attributes and human spiritual development. The author draws from Quranic verses, prophetic traditions, and insights from earlier Sufi masters to support his teachings. The text remains influential in Islamic mystical traditions for its exploration of the relationship between divine unity and the multiplicity of names through which God reveals Himself to creation. Its enduring relevance stems from its balanced approach to both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Ibn Ata Allah al-Iskandari's overall work: Readers consistently highlight the depth and accessibility of Ibn Ata Allah's aphorisms in the Hikam. Many note how the short wisdom sayings remain relevant to modern spiritual seekers. Readers appreciate: - Clear translations that preserve the original meaning - Universal wisdom that transcends religious boundaries - Practical guidance for spiritual development - Brief format that encourages daily reflection Common criticisms: - Some translations lack scholarly context - Deeper meanings can be difficult to grasp without a teacher - Limited historical background in most editions Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (200+ reviews) One reader noted: "Each aphorism contains profound truth that reveals more meaning with repeated reading." Another commented: "The brevity of the sayings belies their transformative power." Several reviewers mentioned struggling with certain concepts without proper commentary or guidance from a spiritual teacher.

Kitab al-Hikam by Ibn Ata Allah al-Iskandari A collection of spiritual aphorisms that explores divine wisdom and the path to spiritual enlightenment through concise Sufi teachings.

The Bezels of Wisdom by Ibn Arabi This text examines the manifestation of divine attributes through prophetic consciousness and metaphysical principles.

The Book of Assistance by Imam al-Haddad A practical manual outlining the essential elements of the spiritual path through systematic religious and moral guidance.

Letters of a Sufi Master by Shaykh ad-Darqawi A compilation of spiritual letters that detail the master-disciple relationship and methods of inner transformation.

The Book of Wisdom by Imam al-Ghazali A treatise on spiritual development that connects practical religious observance with deeper metaphysical understanding through structured teachings.

🔹 Al-Qasd al-Mujarrad explores the deeper meaning behind the Divine Names in Islam, making it one of the earliest comprehensive works dedicated to this mystical aspect of Islamic theology 🔹 Ibn Ata Allah wrote this text while serving as the third sheikh of the Shadhili Sufi order in Egypt, during the Mamluk period of Islamic history (13th-14th century) 🔹 The book bridges theoretical Sufism with practical application, showing readers how to incorporate the Divine Names into their daily spiritual practice and personal development 🔹 The author was initially a critic of Sufism before becoming one of its most influential proponents, bringing a unique perspective of both scholarly precision and mystical insight to his writings 🔹 This work influenced numerous later texts on Islamic spirituality and continues to be studied in traditional Islamic institutions, particularly in North Africa where the Shadhili order maintains a strong presence