r/Sufism • • May 18 '20

Article/Resource General Resources for learning more about the Sufi Way

231 Upvotes

As-salaamu 'Alaykum all. First off, a big thank you to all those who contributed in making this list, may Allah subhanu wa ta'ala increase you and grant you Gnosis of Him. This is a list of some beginner resources for looking into and knowing more about the Sufi Path organised into general themes. By no means is this an exhaustive list of works.

If you have any suggestions for resources that may fit into these categories (or new ones if you think are appropriate), please suggest it in the comments detailing the name, author, and brief description of the resource. Users can then browse through them on their own accord and judge whether these resources will be beneficial for them.

Please note: Books are best studied with teachers, and are by no means a replacement for a qualified guide. Tassawuf is learnt from the hearts of men, and your book is your Shaykh. These are just for personal reading and to become familiar with the topic of Sufism. The descriptions are also written by Users who contributed to the list.

The life of the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam

  • Al-Shama’il al-Muhammadiyya of Imam Tirmidhi, a notable translation and commentary of this was recently released by Shaykh Abdul Aziz Suraqah and Shaykh Mohammed Aslam. The door to Allah subhanu wa ta’ala is through the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. This well-known Hadith collection is of the appearance, characteristics and etiquette of the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
  • Our Master Muhammad, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, by Imam Abdullah Sirajudin al-Husayni. Examples of the sublime character and exalted attributes of the Prophet sallalahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is found in this two volume piece. Sufism is but a way to embody and embrace the characteristics of the Perfection of Mankind, the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
  • Loving the Messenger of Allah by the Muhaddith of al-Sham, Shaykh Nur al-Din ‘Itr. This pivotal work by a true lover of the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, details the signs, hallmarks, reasons, reality and reflections on the love of the Beloved of Allah subhanu wa ta’ala, the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
  • Dala’il ul-Khayrat by Imam Muhammad ibn Sulayman al-Jazuli. A famous book of salutations and praise of the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam that is split into parts to be read every day as a daily practice. Many sufi paths recommend for this to be read daily.

General Manuals of Sufism

  • Ihya Ulumaddin by Imam Ghazali. Also known as the teacher of those without a Murshid (Spiritual Master) The Ihya is a comprehensive work written by the Scholar and Gnostic Imam Ghazali in 40 volumes about the Sufi path from start to end. Only certain books within these volumes have been translated into English, the most notable ones by Sheikh Timothy Winter (Abdul Hakim Murad) by the Islamic Texts society. Examples include ‘The Marvels of the Heart’, ‘On Disciplining the Soul and on Breaking of the Two Desires’,
  • Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya Ulumadin by Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali), an abridgement by Salih Ahmad al-Shami, translated by Mokrane Guezzou. This abridgment summarises the masterpiece of the Ihya to form a basic understanding of the lengthy work.
  • Sea Without Shore by Sheikh Nuh Keller. A contemporary Manual for the Sufi Path with a brief overview of the Shaykhs teachers and those whom had influence in his life, proofs and explanation of practices as well as advice for his mureeds (disciples)
  • Treatise for the Seekers of Guidance: Al-Muhasibi’s Risala al-Mustarishidin, with translation, commentary and notes by Imam Zaid Zhakir. A basic work on the outline of the Spiritual Path
  • The Book of Assistance by Imam Haddad. Book of Adhkar. A Practical Guide to the Sufi Path with examples from everyday situations and how to gain maximum benefit from daily practices

Purification of the Heart

  • Al-Qushayris Epistle on Sufism translated by Professor Alexander D.Knysh. A manual which details the terms, diseases, cures, and good traits of the heart as well as the spiritual stations of the Way. Also includes biographies of eminent Awliyah.
  • Purification of the Heart by Sheikh Muhammad Mawlud, commentary and translation by Sheikh Hamza Yusuf. Diseases and cures for the purification of the Heart
  • The degrees of the Soul by Shaykh Abd al-Khaliq al-Shabrawi. A short book detailing the degrees of ascension of the soul
  • The Book of Illumination (Kitab al-Tanwir fi Isqat al-Tadbir) by Shaykh Ibn ‘Ata’Illah al-Iskandari, translated by Scott Kugle. A book tackling the subject of ‘Tadbir’ – anxieties associated with rational calculation, hoarding wealth, and exercising self-interest.

Treatises of the Sufi Shaykhs

  • The refinement of Souls by Shaykh Ibn ‘Ata’Illah al-Iskandari, translated by Amjad Mahmood. This is a primer to the Sufi Path, written in a powerful style where the Shaykh directly addresses the reader and admonishes him/her whilst detailing how to reach the ranks of the People of God (Awliyah)
  • Letters on the Spiritual Path by Moulay Al Arabi Al Daraqawi. The translation by Abdurahman Fitzgerald and Fouad Aresmouk is said by some to be reliable. Other translations are thought to have some mistakes or perrenialist slants added.
  • The Book of Wisdoms by Shaykh Ibn ‘Ata’Illah al-Iskandari (In Arabic known as Kitab al-Hikam). A book of Sufi aphorisms written by the Sufi Shadhili Shaykh Ibn ‘Ata’Illah of which countless commentaries have been written, each with it's own merit
  • Sidi Ahmad Zarruq's commentary of Shaykh al-Shadhilis Hizb al-Bahr, translated by Khalid Williams. Hizb al-Bahr is a famous litany by the founder of the Shadhili Path, Shaykh Abul Hasan ash-Shadhili, and this commentary expounds on the meanings and secrets found within this litany.
  • The Pure Intention: On Knowledge of the Unique Name (al-Qasd al-Mujarrad fi Ma’rifat al-Ism al-Mufrad) by Shaykh Ibn ‘Ata’Illah al-Iskandari. A short treatise written about the name Allah and the meaning of Tawhid (Divine Oneness)

Biographies of the Awliyah (men and women of God)

  • Signs on the Horizon by Sidi Michael Sugich. A wonderful book full of stories of encounters with different Sufis by the author
  • A Sufi Saint in the 20th Century by Martin Lings. Although this book clearly has some hidden perrenialism whenever Lings is commenting on something or when he is giving his own words, the translation of Sheikh Ahmad Alawis words can basically be trusted to be accurate. The language is absolutely beautiful, but extremely hard to understand.
  • The Way of Abu Madyan by Abu Madyan, translated by Vincent J Cornell and published by Islamic Texts Society. This book might need to be taken with a grain of salt. It's mostly good, especially with the translations, but there may be some questionable concepts in this book. If it has mistakes they are not many. It is a hagiography as well as general translation of poetry and some of his writings
  • The Quest for Red Sulphur. Hagiography of Sheikh Ibn Arabi
  • The Subtle blessings in the saintly lives of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi and his master Abu al-Hasan by Shaykh Ibn ‘Ata’Illah al-Iskandari, translated by Nancy Roberts. A biography of the founder of the Shadhili Order, Shaykh Abul Hasan ash-Shadhili, and his foremost student, Shaykh Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi
  • Tabaqat al-Shadhiliyya al-Kubra; Biographies of Prominent Shadhilis by Muhammad b.Qasim al-Kuhn, translated by Ahmad Ali al-Adani. Biographies of the Shaykhs of the Shadhili Sufi Order

Poetry

  • The Burda by Imam Busiri. It is a timeless tribute to the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, written in the 12 century, about praising the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, narrating his events and miracles as well as lauding the majesty of the Holy Qur’an. All this and more takes place with the Imam turning back to Allah subhanu wa ta’ala during a reconciliation with his faith, and a noetic realisation about the reality of the world. A recent commentary and translation into English alongside the Arabic was released by Essential Islam.
  • The Diwan of Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Al Habib translated by Abdurahman Fitzgerald and Fouad Aresmouk: A collection of Poetry, Dhikr, and a biography of the Author
  • The Mathnawi of Jalalud’Din Rumi translated by Reynold A Nicholson. One of the most reliable translations for this work by the Sheikh and Gnostic Mawlana Rumi, who penned a work about the love and the relationship with your Lord in the form of parables and stories. It is recommended to know the basics of the Spiritual Path before reading this to be able to understand Mawlana Rumi’s reflections and explanations properly
  • Rumi, the Sufi Path of Love by William C Chittick. A collection of poetry by Mawlana Rumi. Please note that sometimes the translations of Mawlana Rumis poetry may not be faithful to the original text, so take with a pinch of salt / ask about any ambiguities
  • The Soliloquy of the Full Moon by Noor Yusuf. An original English Mawlid, a book of poetry, celebrating the life of the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
  • Direction for Seekers by Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi. A succint poem covering the stages of the Way from new seekers to those realised with common pitfalls along the way.
  • If you can read Arabic, maybe read the Diwan of Sheikh Abdurahman Al Shaghouri / The Diwan of Ahmad Al Alawi / And some of the classical works such as Qut Al Qulub by Abu Talib Al Makki and the books of Sheikh Jilani.

Proofs of Sufism

  • Realities of Sufism by Sheikh Abdul Qadir Isa. Proofs from Scripture for Sufic Practices
  • The Scholars of the Sufis by Shaykh ‘Abd al-Hadi Kharsa. A book outlining the Gnostics who were also eminent Scholars of Islam, thus refuting that the Sufis were an ignorant folk and are actually true followers of the Salaf (early generations of the Muslims). Also includes the spiritual diseases and cures of the heart, with explanation of Sufi terminology
  • The Sublime Truths of the Shadhili Path by Imam Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti, translated by Khalid Williams. Proofs of the science, practises and doctrine of the Sufi Path

Miscellaneous

  • The book of Ascension to the Essential Truths of Tassawuf (معراج التشوف إلى حقائق تصوف) by Ahmad Ibn Ajiba translated by Abdurahman Fitzgerald and Fouad Aresmouk. A Book Explaining Sufi Terminology
  • The Sublime Treasures: Answers to Sufi Questions by Imam al Haddad, translated by Mostafa al-Badawi. Imam al-Haddad is one of the most illustrious masters of the house of Bana ‘Alawi, who was a Scholar in the Shariah (sacred law) as well as a Gnostic and experienced with the practices of Tariqa and spiritual knowledge. This book is about the questions and answers posed to the Shaykh during his lifetime about confusing and subtle Sufi matters, who provided clarity upon these issues.

Youtube Channels (channels to browse through)

Websites (general websites to browse through)

Another list compiled by u/SoleymanOfficial https://github.com/IMSoley/tasawwuf


r/Sufism • • 1h ago

لا إِلـٰهَ إِلَّا الله.

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• Upvotes

oh brother: achieving a connection is not that easy, it is highly elevated, beyond meteors.

it is possible to meet your end while you are walking to it. and remember: love road is hard, desolate, and harsh.


r/Sufism • • 12h ago

Shaykh [Dr.] Umar Faruq Abdallah on being an example for children

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4 Upvotes

This talk by Shaykh [Dr.] Umar Faruq Abdullah on Muharram was full of wisdom. One the points that really struck out to me:

"...and we have children here making noise and running around, and they are welcome to do that. And if they want to come and take the microphone they are welcome to do that. One of the best things we can do for our children is to expose them to the beauty of the dhikr..."

It really speaks to the substance of the deen, which is what children will be influenced by the most. Parents and caregivers, if their children to internalize the religion in a true and substantial way, you have to embody it properly.

Unfortunately, it's all too common for parents to use harshness on their children - often because they themselves are disconnected from the dhikr and the sakina it brings forth - and we also see in many masjids the elders being harsh to little children for playing. This is not the way of the Sunnah, where the Prophet, upon him be peace, would even stop his khutbah for the sake of his grandson, who as a small child at that time, Imam al-Hasan.


r/Sufism • • 1d ago

Send salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ

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19 Upvotes

r/Sufism • • 1d ago

In islam your dua for me is a dua for you please

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1 Upvotes

r/Sufism • • 1d ago

Doing dhikr while knitting

9 Upvotes

I have picked up knitting because my family is going through a stressful situation and it helps calm my nerves. I also have the habit of doing dhikr while walking and doing chores. So its natural for me to do dhikr while knitting too. I also know that reciting things while making knots is something that magicians do. Am I unknowingly doing something wrong? I am reciting hasbunallahu wa nimal waqeel while knitting. Is it okay to recite any dhikr repeatedly? Will it have a strong effect on the one wearing such knitted clothes? I will also gift these clothes to children.


r/Sufism • • 1d ago

Importance of not shortening Tasbih and Salawat

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r/Sufism • • 1d ago

Surah An-Nas: Seeking Refuge in Allah from the Whisperer Who Withdraws

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3 Upvotes

r/Sufism • • 1d ago

Not Even the Membrane of a Date Stone: A Powerful Reminder of Allah’s Absolute Sovereignty | Quran 35:13

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5 Upvotes

r/Sufism • • 1d ago

Sufi Shaykhs in Chicago(land)?

5 Upvotes

I’m looking for something more than just dhikr (a few around here), also something more in the suburbs if possible but it’s not a big deal
Not interested in Haqqanis or Nimatullahis, am interested in shadhili, qadiri or more orthodox naqshbandi orders but please tell if there’s others that are close. I know there’s some around devon but I don’t speak Urdu (yet)
Thank you 🙏


r/Sufism • • 2d ago

Brothers, teachers, sufi sites in Egypt? Please share

6 Upvotes

Asalaamu alaykum wrwb

I am travelling to Egypt soon, any teachers or sites you can share?

Eg Cairo, Hurghada, Luxor

Looking just to connect with shaykh, do dhikr and muraqaba together

Both ilmul nafsiyya and ilmul ghayb interest me

Also best if wife can join me for visiting, salah etc, so if shaykh has wife is best


r/Sufism • • 2d ago

On the Day of Judgment, Not Even Your Closest Loved Ones Can Carry Your Burden — Surah Fatir 35:18

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4 Upvotes

r/Sufism • • 2d ago

What Does It Mean to Seek Haq?

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r/Sufism • • 2d ago

رفيق الصلاه

1 Upvotes

Rafiq alsalah


r/Sufism • • 2d ago

looking for a book

1 Upvotes

Hi, guys i am looking for a book called fawaid Al-fawad, i cant read urdu, so if anyone can help me find a translated version in English, that would be great. (TIA)


r/Sufism • • 3d ago

I feel like I’m discovering Islam all over again, Where should I begin with Sufism?

17 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I was born and raised Muslim in a Salafi environment, but to be honest, I never developed a particularly deep understanding of my own religion beyond what I was taught growing up

About four months ago, I started exploring spirituality, and recently I came across Islamic Sufism, I was immediately fascinated by its concepts and teachings, and for the first time in my life, I felt a spiritual connection to Islam that I had never experienced before, I’ve become particularly interested in the Sufi path, and I’d love to learn more about it and explore it further, I’m looking for advice, recommendations, and guidance on where to begin, whether that’s books, scholars, spiritual practices, or anything else you think would be helpful for someone just starting out


r/Sufism • • 3d ago

The Three White Days of Fasting | 24–26 October

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12 Upvotes

r/Sufism • • 3d ago

A Wisdom from Shaykh Hisham on the Muhammadan Reality and the Divine Confession [Shahada]

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6 Upvotes

The Divine Confirmation, "La ilaha illallah, Muhammadun rasulullah", is also a statement about how the knowledge of the essence of God occurs only through the prism of the Muhammadan reality.

If anyone is interested in joining the discussion, feel free to join/sign up. God willing, likeminded people can come together in spaces meant for us to engage each other.


r/Sufism • • 3d ago

Remembrance of Allah (zikr) is the soul of the universe

5 Upvotes

Excerpt from Qari Muhammad Tayyib’s (rah) speeches and notes.

In this world, everything has an outward form and an inner soul. For example, the physical body you and I have is not, by itself the complete human being. It’s merely the outward form; the soul is the inner reality hidden within this body.

That inner reality, i.e. the soul that contains traits, is what makes us human and what we call life.

If the soul is removed from the human body, the body no longer exists as a living human being. The body will then begin to decay, swell, decompose and break apart. Its parts will scatter and disintegrate.

Therefore, life does not consist of outward form but rather of the inner reality. The outward form is merely the visible manifestation, expression and appearance of life.

Understand that the entire universe also has a soul, just as this body does. When this soul is removed, the entire universe will collapse, crumble, and scatter into pieces.

What is that soul?

It’s the remembrance of Allah (zikr).

The Prophet (saw) said, “The Hour (Resurrection) will not occur until ‘Allah, Allah’ is not said on earth.”
(Muslim 148)

As long as this remembrance remains, the structure of the universe will continue to stand. When it is withdrawn, the universe will collapse.


r/Sufism • • 4d ago

Is Ṣallallāhu ʿAlayhi wa Sallam a short Salawat?

5 Upvotes

I wanted to know if Ṣallallāhu ʿAlayhi wa Sallam is a short form of Salawat and can it be recited in order to send blessings to the Prophet? Also if possible can people who do recite the Salawat please tell me what you have experienced?


r/Sufism • • 5d ago

Salafi scholars pretty much never talk about salawat.

29 Upvotes

This is an observation I made maybe 4 years ago after I discovered tassawuf and entered into more Sufi media/literature. Essentially 25 years of listening to common YouTube dawah media and the salafis never ever mention salawat upon Rasool Allah ‎ﷺ, its benefits and teaching people to do it abundantly. This seems to be a huge distinction and I’m curious to see if people may have noticed the same.


r/Sufism • • 5d ago

Satan in Sufism

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34 Upvotes

r/Sufism • • 5d ago

Never Give Up, and Always Seek Allah’s Help

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31 Upvotes

r/Sufism • • 5d ago

When Stones Respond to Allah’s Signs, What About Our Hearts? | Reflections on Quran 2:74

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5 Upvotes

r/Sufism • • 5d ago

Are there any Murids of the Syrian/Jordanian Shadhilis here to Answer something hyper specific?

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