Golden Pages from Madinah Munawwarah

"Ibn Khaldun on Sufism: Remedy for the Questioner in Search of Answers" is the first-ever English translation of Ibn Khaldun's treatise Shifa’ al-Sa’il li-Tahdhib al-Masa’il. In this work, Ibn Khaldun addresses a prevalent debate in fourteenth-century Andalusia regarding the necessity of a spiritual guide (shaykh) for the Sufi path. He examines whether reliance on written texts suffices for spiritual guidance or if direct mentorship is essential

The treatise delves into the nature of Sufism, its practices, and its role within Islamic spirituality. Ibn Khaldun, renowned for his contributions to sociology and historiography, applies his analytical acumen to assess the legitimacy and requirements of the Sufi tradition. His insights offer a nuanced understanding of Sufism's place in Islamic thought and practice

This translation by Yumna Ozer provides readers with access to Ibn Khaldun's perspectives on Sufism, shedding light on his views and the intellectual milieu of his time.

"The Book of Certainty" is a profound yet accessible introduction to Sufi metaphysics, authored by Dr. Martin Lings under the pen name Abu Bakr Siraj ad-Din. Drawing from Islamic mysticism, the book elucidates the three degrees of certainty

• 'Ilmu 'l-yaqin (Knowledge of Certainty)

• 'Aynu 'l-yaqin (Eye of Certainty)

• Haqqu 'l-yaqin (Truth of Certainty)

Through vivid metaphors and traditional imagery, Lings explores themes such as the nature of the soul, the symbolism of light and darkness, and the journey of spiritual realization. The work is praised for its clarity and depth, making complex Sufi concepts accessible to readers.