The Book of Ascension to the Essential Truths of Sufism - by Ahmad Ibn 'Ajiba (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Written by 18th-century Moroccan scholar and mystic Ahmad ibn 'Ajiba, this book defines Sufic terminology. Based on four published Arabic editions of the Mi'raj and two manuscript versions, this translation is supplemented by excerpts from some of Ibn 'Ajiba's other works, which offer insights about the essential notions of Sufism: repentance, integrity, love, patience, gratitude, and the Eternal Wine. A comprehensive compilation, this bilingual edition--Arabic and English--celebrates Ahmad ibn 'Ajiba's belief that coming to know and reflect upon these notions could be, in itself, a sort of ascending meditative journey.

Review Quotes

"The book includes a helpful introduction which contextualizes the work, the author and his motivations, and the historical background necessary for a better understanding of Sufism. It will be indispensable in courses on Islam and comparative mysticism, and a 'must read' for those interested in Sufism and/or Islam in the Maghreb." --Irfan A. Omar, Ph.D., associate professor of Islam and World Religions, Marquette University

About the Author

Ahmad ibn 'Ajiba was an 18th-century Moroccan saint in the Darqawa Sufi Sunni Islamic lineage. Mohamed Fouad Aresmouk is the author of al-Rashad fi zabdati al-Awrad and an instructor of Arabic at the Center for Language and Culture in Marrakech. Michael Abdurrahman Fitzgerald is the director of the Center for Language and Culture and the author of several books, including Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya on the Invocation of God. He and Mohamed Fouad Aresmouk are cotranslators of The Immense Ocean.