Three Pearls

Three pearls fell down the river, from my broken necklace. I let them go, let them see what I couldn’t, let them encounter adventures I would never dream of.

But don’t look at us, the pearls said while I glanced from the distance, and my feet started to wallk back home over the dusty ground.

Look at the pearls of the Unseen, you are lucky, we are almost there, and we are tears now. Not pearls. You are lucky, they said, for the waiting, the searching, the seeking, is the whole adventure, the great reward, where rivers of pearls become tears of joy. We are now tears going to encounter the ocean of Love. But you are still not there, so feel and cry, and suffer and smile and struggle, because this is where all the signs of Love can lead you to be what we are now. And I sighed and desired to be them.

Thoughts from a young girl.

Say I Am With You

Beloved

I dance, I am a woman;
I sing, I have a soul;
I spread flowers over our encounter,
and let them fall
over our hearts...

I give you the cup of wine
in whispers
and in sounds of happiness,
in love poems,
and songs that come from heaven.

I sip from this Love
with tears in my eyes,
babbling the name
of the All-Nothing that  sees us, with a smile.

We both are looking for the same;
searching, always searching;
and even if we see...
We still prefer to wonder.

Under the stars I find the Beloved
through my earthly beloved.
You feel paradise
through this love that becomes LOVE.

We are children, we are joy,
we are starting to live the real void
reaching ladders and wings and lights
upon us.

Beloved, you take me to The BELOVED.

 

Maryam

Kudsi Erguner on Ney and Sufism

Kudsi Erguner on Ney and Sufism

 

Sufi Rituals in the Middle East and the Balkans

This book offers intimate and moving portraits of Sufism as practiced in five countries. Sufism, the mystical tradition of Islam, is as far from the strident and often violent fundamentalist strain of the religion that has so captured world attention as it is possible to be. Sufis in all parts of the Islamic world are broad-minded, tolerant, and non-violent, their quest only to find and approach God through all means, including poetry, music, and dance. Historian Nicolaas Biegman has been observing and photographing Sufi practice and ritual in different Muslim lands for many years, and here in this collection of extraordinary photographs he feels the pulse of the Sufi experience, with its enormous variety in discipline and exuberance, intellectualism and spontaneity, in Egypt, Syria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Macedonia. In accompanying texts he explores what lies behind the rituals, and explains aspects of Sufi life and practice such as the position of women.

Author Biography:
NICOLAAS (NIEK) BIEGMAN holds a Ph.D. in Balkan history, and is an expert on Islam. He has produced a number of photographic books on Egypt, Haiti, Manhattan, and most recently a Sufi community in Skopje (God's Lovers)

 

PAL plans conference on Sufism

ISLAMABAD (APP) - Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) has planned to arrange three-day International Conference on Sufism from March 14. The official sources of the academy told this agency that 80 delegates from around 40 countries are expected to participate in the conference.
The notable personalities having diverse knowledge about sufism and mysticism will share their views on the occasion.
The international conference would provide a platform to more than 200 delegates within the country to participate in the conference.
Sources said that PAL would translate books of Sufi poets belonging all the four provinces in eight different languages.
The translated books would be given to all the participants as it will help to project true image of the country on international level.
The sources informed that a international conference was also arranged in 1995. The writings of Pakistani writers from all Pakistani languages were translated in UNESCO languages and sent to different countries.
These books are still the identity of Pakistani literature in libraries there. However, PAL has also decided to set up a National Translation Bureau in the academy through translating Pakistani literature in foreign languages and the foreign literature into Pakistani languages, the sources added.

 

The Nation

Beshara and Ibn 'Arabi : A Movement of Sufi Spirituality in the Modern World

 

Investigating Sufi-inspired spirituality in the modern world, this interdisciplinary text combines cultural study with solid data to provide a comprehensive study on how the teachings of Ibn 'Arabi have been adopted and adapted by Muslims and non-Muslims. This book explores Beshara's emergence and evolution, its approach to spiritual education, the origins of its spiritual teacher, its major teachings and practices, and its projection of Ibn 'Arabi. Both rigorous and very timely, this study looks to the areas of cultural exchange between East and West and highlights commonalities in the various historical changes both societies have undergone.

SOURCE

Sufism Books among other subjects - 18th century library reopens

18th century library reopens in Aurangabad after 70 years By Abdul Hadi Aurangabad, Dec.23 (ANI): An 18th century library, housing manuscripts and a number of precious books including a version of the Quran penned by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, has been reopened after 70 years here at the historical monument Panchakki in Maharashtra. According to library officials, Hazrat Babashah Musafir, who migrated to Aurangabad in 18th century from Bukhara in Russia, founded the library as well as the Panchakki. The library treasured about 100,000 books and writing pieces till Indian independence (1947). However, it was closed down in 1970s due to administrative reasons due to which many of the library books were shifted to Hyderabad.The library presently houses 2,500 books on various subjects related to history, law, medicine, Sufism, religion and philosophy in Arabic, penned by philosophers, saints and scholars in Urdu and Persian languages. The cover of holy Quran here has a coating of gold on both sides, which has been preserved till date. Moreover, a holy book written in 1, 283 in four languages is also available at this library. According to Librarian Hafiz Abdul Jaleel, Baba Shah Musafir founded the library to spread knowledge. “The library was considered to be the largest one in Asia during that time. Now, it has around 2,500 rare books. After reopening the library, many students especially those who are engaged in research are thronging it. There is no entry fee,” Hafiz Abdul Jaleel informed. People have appreciated the efforts of library’s restoration but say that it has a long way to go. M.A. Haq, a historian in Auranagbad, expressed disappointment that such a library fell victim to colossal neglect for so long. “This is a great failure, a disaster, that such a grand and important library has been decimated like this. It was one of the best libraries, once. But it is a matter of pride that with the efforts of the (Waqf) Board, the library would come to life,” said M.A. Haq, Aurangabad based historian. Locals feel that if maintained properly, the library would benefit people of all walks of life. (ANI) Read more: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/feature/18th-century-library-reopens-in-aurangabad-after-70-years_100293869.html#ixzz0aeZkc6Dx

Don’t give me back…

 

 

 

 

 

“Don’t give me back to my old companions.

No friend but you. Inside you

I rest from wanting. Don’t let me

be that selfishness again."

 

Unseen Rain. Quatrains of Rumi. By John Moyne and Coleman Barks

Threshold Books

 

Image credit: Iskandar

Sufis and Jesus

Christianity is rooted in the belief that Jesus is the Son of God, so is Islam’s version of Christ a source of tension, or a way of building bridges between the world’s two largest faiths?

The Sufi philosopher al-Ghazali described Jesus as "the prophet of the soul" and the Sufi master Ibn Arabi called him "the seal of saints".

An article by Mehdi Hasan about a new book by the former Cambridge professor of Arabic and Islamic studies Tarif Khalidi on Newstatesman.com

‘Sufism’ effective offset to socio-cultural degradation

Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Islamabad
At a time when ‘Sufism’ is being promoted as an antidote to religious fundamentalism, Dr. Fatima Hussain’s new book titled ‘The War that Wasn’t; The Sufi and the Sultan’ comes as an answer to all queries regarding ‘Sufi’ school of thought and its power over the masses.
‘Sufism’ played a considerable role in bringing humane teachings of the religion to the forefront during the Middle Ages and it is now considered to be an effective offset to the socio-cultural degradation threatening the very roots of our social values and system.
Dr. Fatima Hussain’s latest book analyses the subtle nuances of the dynamics of ‘Sufi’ power in the social politics of the Delhi Sultanate, and how this power affected the relations between the ‘Sufi’ and the ‘Sultanate’, the two most powerful institutions in medieval sub-continent. Dr Fatima’s book on ‘Sufism’ brings forth a vibrant picture of ‘Sufi’ school of thought in the contemporary world amidst growing concerns regarding the massive threat of religious extremism to global peace.
Dr Fatima Hussain is a profound scholar and teacher of history in Delhi University. Sufism is a topic on which she already has published a number of articles and books. The book contains numerous anecdotes from medieval Persian sources, while dealing with incidents related to these ‘Sufis’. Author’s object in this book has been to examine the broad bases of ‘Sufi’ history in the ‘Sultanate’ period to adduce sufficient evidence to suggest the need for a new approach.
This highly research based work contains vital aspects of the ‘Sufi’ movement, i.e., philosophy and practices of ‘Sufism’, development of ‘Sufism’ in the region, dynamics of ‘Sufi’ power and the multi-dimensional role of the ‘Sufi’ hospices, especially, as an impetus to urban expansion, such as ‘Khanqahs’ during the ‘Sultanate’ period.
Dr. Fatima Hussain is known in South Asian academic circles for her book ‘The Palestine Question: A Historical Perspective.’ ‘Classic,’ of Lahore, and recent publication ‘Sufism & Bhakti Movement; Contemporary Relevance,’ that has been compiled by Dr. Fatima Hussain. Dedicated to Benazir Bhutto, the volume carries papers presented at a seminar held at New Delhi’s Nehru Memorial Museum and Library. Some articles of Pakistani authors, too, have been included in this 351-page book.

                                                                                                                                

 

 

From : The News International

Sufism. An Article

The author has named it "Sufism, the other face of Islam". Unfortunately, when we speak of Islam, many are reminded of Bin Laden, Al Qaeda, terrorism, bigotry, oppression of women. But not all of Islam is the case (not all Basques are ETA). There is a large moderate Islam, and within it, a current extremely old one, called Sufism, practiced by millions of people around the planet.

To not enter into Islamophobia (hatred of Islam), I would like you to read some words of a current Algerian Sufi master, Khaled Bentuonés, and think whether we should continue to say that Islam is carried to fanaticism.

It would be the perfect counterpoint to be showed as a reading in class.

Unfortunately today, Islam has become an ideology, a narrow religion, a limited thing (...) an instrument of mass manipulation.

The generous one gives himself a great good and creates an atmosphere of happiness around which increases their own joy of living.

Contrary to what many think, the great holy war (jihad) is not intended to spread Islam under the rule of a tyrant (...) The Prophet himself said: This is the great war that everyone should take against their own selfishness "(...) This is a war to fight the economic crisis, poverty, against new diseases ...

Doing my duty and my responsibility to assume within society, I give to my work a noble character (...) If we all did our work as if were prayer (in the form of prayer), we would perform this duty out as best as possible and we would not cheat not hustling, and it would be for us the best way forward in life.

Bentuonés Khaled Shaikh Sufism, the heart of Islam. Ediciones Obelisco, 2001

This is just the opposite of what we talked about some time discussing the movie Agora. Religion for the understanding not to hate. Something like what the great mystic of Al Andalus, Ibn Arabi, wrote in the thirteenth century


My heart has become capable of every form: it is a pasture for gazelles and a convent for Christian monks,
And a temple for idols, and the pilgrim's Ka'ba, and the tables of the Tora and the book of the Koran.
I follow the religion of Love, whichever way his camels take. My religion and my faith is the true religion.

Article written by:
Vicente Camarasa -


Image credit: asbf48 (ANTONIO)


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Turkey to honor Persian poet Mowlavi

Turkey is planning to hold a ceremony in commemoration of the world-renowned Persian poet Mowlavi in his eternal resting place in Konya.

The 10-day event will include mystic musical performances and various symposiums about the Sufi poet.

Visitors will also have the chance to watch Whirling Dervishes dancing the Sama, the traditional trancelike meditation of Sufism.

The Mowlavi symposium will host prominent Mowlavi experts from around the world including Dr. Mohammad-Ali Movahhedi from Iran.

Jalal ad-Din Mohammad Balkhi known as Mowlavi was a 13th century Persian poet, mystic and theologian, better-known for his six-volume poem Masnavi considered to be one of the greatest works of both Islamic mysticism and Persian literature.

UNESCO named the year 2007 as the year of Mowlavi in honor of the Persian poet's outstanding achievements.

Source: PressTv


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Sufism Books

More E-Books you can find at the "PEARLS OF WISDOM" Section (left bottom side of this blog)
TITLES:


Sufis of Sindh
Dr. Motilal Jotwani (1986)

Early Turkish Mystics in Turkish Literature (2006)
Memed Faud Koprula

Discourses of Rumi (It is What It is - Fihi Ma Fihi) (1999-2000)
A. J. Arberry

The Persian Mystics: Jalalud Din Rumi (1912)
F. Hadland Davis

The Sufism of Rubaiyat (1908)
Norton F. W. Mazeldin

Life of Omar Al-Khayyami(1905)
J. K. M. Shirazi

Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam (1900)
Edward FitzGerald

Sufism Omar Khayyam and E. Fitzgerlad (1915)
A. Bjerregaard

Thanks to Academy of Punjab in North America


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Ode Ibn Arabi

O Marvel! a garden amidst the flames.
My heart has become capable of every form:
it is a pasture for gazelles and a convent for Christian monks,
and a temple for idols and the pilgrim's Kaa'ba,
and the tables of the Torah and the book of the Quran.
I follow the religion of Love: whatever way Love's camels take,
that is my religion and my faith.

Amina Alaoui - Ode Ibn Arabi Found at abmp3 search engine

sufism

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The Tree of Being

THE TREE OF BEING by Ibn 'Arabi interpreted by Tosun Bayra.


The Tree of Being (Shajarat al-Kawn) is a treatise written by Ibn Arabi (1165-1240), one of the greatest figures in both Islamic and universal mysticism. He wrote close to five hundred books and manuscripts. Many of them are short, but some, like Fusus al Hikam and Futuhat al Makkiyah, are books of many volumes. Ibn Arabi knew and influenced the great men of his time, Ibn Rushd (Averroes), Jalaluddin Rumi, Suhrawardi, and others.
His influence spread beyond the Islamic world and entered medieval Europe. Asin Palacios and Salverda di Grave have pointed out that Dante in the Divina Comedia derived from Ibn Arabi the great design of Hell and Paradise and also the image of the beautified young woman as guide to the Divine.
The Tree of Being is an inspired description of the cosmos and the perfect man as microcosm, expressed in beautiful metaphysical and poetic imagery. Ibn Arabi's devotion to the Prophet Muhammad as the perfect man provides instruction in Islam for the ones who are interested in learning the essence of this religion.
The book has five sections. First is the translator's introduction including a biography of Ibn Arabi and a discussion of his approach
to Sufism. Second is an interpretation of Ibn Arabi's Tree of Being, a commentary on the mystical elements of the Qur'an and Islam. Third is Ibn 'Arabi's description of the character and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. The fourth section is his listing of the two hundred names and attributes of the Prophet.

The Tree of Being Book


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New Uploaded E-Book

I have uploaded a new e-book:

Mysticism and magic in Turkey; an account of the religious doctrines, monastic organisation, and ecstatic powers of the dervish orders (1912), by Lucy Mary Jane Garnett.

You can download it at the "Pearls of Wisdom" Section, which is on bottom section as I have changed this blog design.

Thank you



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Lawa'ih, a Treatise on Sufism

Lawa'ih, a Treatise on Sufism- Jami, Nur-ud-din 'abd-Ur-rahman

Hackenberg Booksellers especialises in scholarly, out of print, rare and unusual books.


Place Published: London
Publisher: Royal Asiatic Society
Date Published: 1928

Description: Facsimile of an old ms. With a translation by E. H. Whinfield & Mirza Muhammad Kazvini, and preface on the influence of Greek philosophy upon sufism. Reprinted with additions and corrections. xvii, 61p., plus the 56-page facsimile of the 10th-century Persian manuscript. Original blue cloth. (Oriental Translation Fund. New series, 16).



Price: $85.00


sufism

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Evidence

 

Caressing me in a whisper,

sounds that I could never hear

or feel.

Nights of thousands stars, brilliant as the Jewel I see from space,

all of them reunited,

in the glimpse of a second,

an image I could never forget….

 

The calmness came to life,

after the shadows dancing,

YOU embraced my destiny.

 

Over mountains of silver and sand,

of gold and fresh honey,

I hear the whisper again.

 

And you Are, the above and beyond,

the last ladder of myriads of ladders,

this child who became a man child

without sorrow, again happy,

again filled with the Truth

and without solitude anymore.

 

And YOU, whom I thank endlessly

for you took this child and drove him to the Love

Forever

In Eternity.

 

Maryam

 

IMAGE

Teachings of Sufism

The prose and verse readings in this book were chosen to interest the many people who have become attracted to Sufi teachings through their exposure to popular Sufi poetry, music, and dance. The selections—mostly from the Middle East and India, ranging from the tenth to the twentieth century—provide a sampling of Sufi thought on some of the basic aspects of this spiritual path. Most of the readings are published here in English for the first time. Brief introductory remarks place each selection into its historical and religious context, and an index of Qur'anic passages helps the reader to trace the extensive allusions to the Islamic holy scriptures. The topics covered include: The nature of mystical love Meditation Listening to music as a spiritual practice Ethical teachings of Sufism Pitfalls on the spiritual path Spiritual companionship and the master-disciple relationship The importance of the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad Biographical accounts of great mystics, including the poet Rumi as well as several female saints

 

 

The Sufi Bookstore