Paperback, 174 Pages.
Spiritual Insights presents five classic treatises from the illustrious tradition of the Bā ‘Alawī Sayyids, scholars and spiritual masters of Ḥaḍramawt in southern Yemen, expertly translated with full commentaries.
The various aspects and levels of the ‘Alawīs’ teaching activity are amply reflected in this selection. ‘The Threaded Pearls’ describes how their methodology combines the complementary approaches of Imam al-Ghazālī and Imam Abū al-Ḥasan al-Shādhilī. ‘Insights for the Brethren’ expounds the bases of the religion as 'The Four Circles’: Islām, Īmān, Iḥsān, and ‘Irfān. ‘Unveiling the Truth’ answers four questions from correspondents about the legitimacy of certain individuals’ actions and sayings. ‘Prayer of the Drawn-Near’ discusses the difference between rational knowledge and deep cognition gained through direct, experiential ‘witnessing’. Lastly, ‘The Seven Stages of a Human Being’ explains the correspondences between the sensory and the Unseen and between the different hierarchical levels of Existence.
Contents:
The Threaded Pearls: An Exposition of the Method of the ‘Alawi Sayyids
Al-‘Uqud al-lu’lu’iyya fi bayan tariqat al-Sada al-‘Alawiyya
by Habib Muhammad Ibn Husayn al-Habashi
The Four Circles: Insights for the Brethren on the Circles of Islam, Iman, Ihsan and Irfan
Fath Basa’ir al-Ikhwan bi-Sharh Dawa’ir al-Islam wa al-Iman wa al-Ihsan wa al-‘Irfan
by Habib Abd al-Rahman Balfaqih
Unveiling the Truth of the Sciences of Reality and Removing Confusion from the Practices of the Path
Kashf al-Haqq ‘an ‘Ulum al-Haqiqa Wa Tamyiz al-Talbis ‘an Rusum al-Tariqa
by Habib Abd al-Rahman Balfaqih
- The answer
- First Principle
- Second Principle
- Third Principle
- Fourth Principle
— What Imam al-Ghazali Said concerning Eagerness for Realities
— A Comment on the Difference between Imagination and Intelligence
— The Obligation to Accept the Beliefs of the Virtuous Predecessors
- Fifth Principle
— The Various States of People with Regard to the Science of Realities
- Sixth Principle
— The Difference between Revelation and Inspiration
Prayer of the Drawn-Near
by Habib al-Hasan Ibn Salih al-Bahr al-Jufri
- Prayer of the Humble
- Prayer of the Drawn-Near
The Seven Stages of a Human Being
by Habib Ahmad Ibn Zayn al-Habashi
About The Author
Dr. Mostafa Badawi, the editor, translator, and commentator, is a distinguished authority on the history and teachings of the Bā ‘Alawī Sayyids. Also a practicing psychiatrist, Dr. Badawi is a resident of the Holy City of Madina.
