Bahjat Al Asrar wa Ma'adin al Anwaar Sublime Secrets and Treasury of Lights

This is the oldest and most authentic biography of Sayyiduna Ghawth al-A’zam Shaykh Abdul Qãdir Jilaani g (may Allah be pleased with him). It is important to initially elucidate that this noble author lived two generations after the demise of Sayyiduna Ghawth al-Ã’zam Shaykh Abd al-Qãdir al-Jilãnĩ g [470/1078 – 561/1166]. He met those who had met the great Ghawth Sayyiduna Abdul Qaadir Jilani g. Imãm al-Shatnũfĩ q is invariably a beloved devotee of Sayyiduna Ghawth al-A’zam g. There are many chains and sequences of transmission which links Sayyidĩ Imãm Abu’l-Ḥasan Shatnũfĩ q directly to the great Ghawth, leading to two generations.

The author of Bahjat al-Asrãr validates in the Khutbah of his book as follows: I have compiled this book and ratified it with authenticity by terminating each chain of transmission to its original and authentic source. Great precautions were taken in the genuineness of every narration (in this book) to avoid any room for fault and doubt.

Hence, the above-mentioned information from the Khutbah confirms that the author had carefully evaluated every single narration recorded in Bahjat al-Asrãr to be absolutely authentic, and free from all defects. Hence, it is ipsofacto [the fact in itself] that no narration in this book can be rated as ḍa’ ĩf, gharĩb or shãz. One of the unique facts in the narrations found in this monumental book is that every narrator cited herein is an erudite authority of Islãmic Law [Dĩn] and a Walĩ of Allãh. Alḥamdulillãh! It is clear from the verbatim words of these illustrious Imãms of Dĩn that the author of Bahjat al-Asrãr, Imãm Abu al-Ḥasan Alĩ Nũr al-Dĩn al-Shatnũfĩ q is a profuse Imãm, inimitable scholar, impeccable Jurist and a master of Qirãt. He was also rated as a leader of the high-ranking Ulama and Mashã’ikh of his time.

Furthermore, his book Bahjat al-Asrãr, is classified as bonafide by distinguished Imãms who have quoted from its source in view of the fact of its reliability as a reference book. Similar to the books of Ḥadith, they also acquired accreditation for narrations contained in it. Amongst the books of biography of Sayyiduna Ghawth al-A’zam g, the legitimacy of narrators of this book is similar to the Mu’atta of Imãm Mãlik g in the books of Ḥadith. In so far as the authenticity of narrators in all the books, concerning praises and virtues [faḍã’il] of Awliya, it holds a similar equation to that of Saḥiḥ al-Bukhãrĩ. In fact, there are shãz Ḥadith in the siḥã, but there is absolutely no shãz narrations in Bahjat al-Asrãr.

Imãm al-Bukhãrĩ had only taken into account the sturdy nature and validity [siḥat] of the narration. On the contrary, the narrations found in Bahjat al-Asrãr, Imãm Shatnũfĩ q not only took great care in sound validity [siḥat], but he also ensured that no false or fabricated narrations were recorded. Imãm Allama Umar al-Ḥalabĩ q provides an exposition that Imãm Shatnũfĩ q has fully complied with all the correct rules and regulations that are relevant to the transmission of narrations in his book. Hence, all of his narrations are impeccable and are unquestionable, because they can be confirmed by various other narrations.

This prolific book does not only discuss the life and works of the great Ghawth, it also encompasses the following subjects:

• • Love for the Divine Being, Allãh .
  • Status and obedience to the glorious Messenger of Allãh .
  • The institution of wilayah with particular reference to muhjãhadah [spiritual struggle] and mukãshaifah [Divine Unveiling]
  • Sufism – the Laws of Tasawwuf.
  • Ethics pertaining to human rights and divine rights.
  • Morals and ethics from an Islãmic perspective.
  • Consciousness of the Divine Being.
  • Piety.
  • Cleansing of the inner self.
  • Multi-faceted sciences of sacred knowledge.

This book is a welcome addition to the dearth of Islãmic literature in particular to the esoteric dimensions of Islãm, with particular reference to the comprehensive and authentic biography of the Grand Master of Spiritualism and the Chieftain of the Gnostics, Sultãn al-Ãrifĩn Ghawth al-A’zam Sayyiduna Shaykh Abdul Qãdir al-Jilanĩ g.

Book Type: Hardback

Two Volumes

Volume One: 536 pages

Volume Two: 473 pages

Book Size: 24cm x 17cm