The Secret of Secrets by 'Abd al-Qadir Al Jilani (RA)

[ZubeirAwal]

I have the paperback of this excellent book and having only reading up to page 18, I could definately say it is a great book when it comes to explaining to the human being or in this case to the seeker of knowledge what he/she is, where he/she came from, and what he/she has to do in returning to the path of Allah.

One review reads,

A highly readable and accessible interpretative translation of the great 11th century Sufi shaykh's work: this treatise unfolds the Qadirian perspectives on the key areas of Islamic spirituality with clarity and flair and presents the contemporary reader with a classic work on the principles of authentic Tasawwuf - I appreciated the Shaykh's remarks on the various symbolic meanings of the word 'Sufi' as also his exposition of the innermost essence of Islam, of complete self-negation via resignation and submission to Divine Truth, as contrasted with the 'misery of the rebel' (epitomised by the blind arrogance of Iblis, the fallen ego or Nafs), as the true key of the Sufi path: also extremely interesting are the Shaykh's teachings regarding the 12 Beautiful Names contained in the letters of the first part of the Shahadah and the metaphysical concept of the 'Sultan-Soul', its descent into material incarnation and return to God through the way of Remembrance and the purification and polishing of the Heart. I also found the distinctions between the earthly paradise, the angelic paradise and the heavenly paradise highly illuminating. The Shaykh, in the purest tradition of classical Islamic monotheism expounds upon the place of the 'Sultan-Soul' within the 'Heart of Hearts', the luminous abode of Divine Wisdom and through the stages and waystations of light he reveals the mysteries of the Sufis, under the 18-petalled rose (gul) of the Qadiriyya way. This text is veritably suffused with the Presence and Baraqah of the Shaykh and is without doubt an essential work for those who seek the radiant beauties of the esoteric gnosis and theosophic dimension of the religion of Islam. 'The Secret of Secrets' imparts the spiritual fragrance of the great soul whom tradition has called the 'Rose of Baghdad'. Most highly recommended.

I highly recommend downloading the pdf or buying the paperback from amazon! Remember, Allah has created you to become his viceregent on earth, so respond to that call and pass the challenge of conquering the egotistical self with it's lustful and carnal desires, no human has a burden that they cannot bear...