The Virtues Of Bismilla

The Qur’an and the Prophet in the Writings of Shaykh Ahmad al-‘Alawi presents for the first time in English all the collected works of the Shaykh on the two guiding principles of Islam. The Shaykh al-Alawi had embarked on a full commentary on the Qur’an, but only completed an introduction explaining his approach to Qur’anic exegesis and commentaries on three chapters. All these pieces are included here with an additional appendix of answers to questions that the Shaykh’s disciples had put to him on the Qur’an. The Qur’anic commentaries are followed by a treatise on the meaning of the invocation of blessings on the Prophet. This extremely profound treatise delves into the spiritual nature of the Prophet explaining how he represents both the summit of spiritual attainment and the example for all those seeking enlightenment. Also included in the appendix are answers that the Shaykh gave his disciples on sayings of the Prophet.

Khalid Williams specialises in translation from Arabic, with a particular focus on Islamic Studies and Sufism.