Fundamental Principles of Tasawwuf: Mukhtasar Qawa'id al-Tasawwuf

The science of Tasawwuf, often misunderstood and misrepresented, is the cornerstone of spirituality that guides the seeker toward sincerity, self-purification, and closeness to Allah. In this abridgment of The Principles of Tasawwuf (Qawa'id al-Tasawwuf), lessons from the illustrious Sheikh Ahmad Zarruq (d. 899 AH) presents a timeless masterpiece, systematizing the core principles of the spiritual path with unparalleled clarity.

This concise yet profound work delineates 40 essential principles, or qawa'id, from his larger work, that navigate the trader through the intricate interplay of iman, practice ('amal), and self-awareness. Sheikh Ahmad Zarruq explores the essence of Tasawwuf by bridging it seamlessly with lslamic jurisprudence and theology. The text emphasizes that true spirituality is unattainable without sound understanding of the Shari'ah and vice versa, reminding us of the holistic unity between outward adherence and inward sincerity.

SOME OF THE KEY THEMES EXPLORED INCLUDE:

• The relationship between faith, jurisprudence, and spirituality, captured in the maxim, "No Tasawwuf without Fiqh, and no Fiqh without Tasawwuf."
• The perils of extremism in worship and the necessity of balance in religious practice.
• The conditions for sincerity in remembrance (dhikr) and the transformative power of seeking Allah through it.
• The rule of mentorship and the necessity of a guide for traversing the spiritual path.
• The centrality of humility, ethical conduct, and adherence to the prophetic way in dealing with oneself and others.

In an era of spiritual confusion and material distraction, the Sheikh's work offers an antidote - a roadmap that is as relevant today as it was centuries ago. His principles reflect the delicate balance required to maintain sincerity in faith while engaging the practical realities of life.

Accompanied by insightful commentary based on his writings, this new bilingual abridgement renders his wisdom accessible to a modern audience, preserving the elegance of his thought while clarifying the nuances for contemporary readers.