This books explains Shaikh al-Suhrawardî's sufi theology and its importance to the training of sufi disciples. His careful analysis of mystical ideas of self-annihilation, sufi exercises (dhikr), proper moral conduct (adab), and other areas that stressed the complete obedience to Islamic law and to the customs of the Prophet will reflect a sufi master's intention to ensure his sufi path reflected the truest and purest form of faith.

This translation and commentary of al-Suhrawardî's 'Awârif al-Ma'ârif is an original project mainly because in the Middle East and South Asian sufism the sufi text is still very popular and used. The heart of this study is to illustrate the use of theological reasoning for sufi theosophy and how it is critical in sufi spiritual practices. It aims at opening the door for non-specialists of medieval sufi texts who desire to learn the wisdom of sufi Muslims and their larger contribution to spirituality.

This book argues al-Suhrawardî's emphasis that one needed to be prepared to carry out this extraordinary responsibility by having one's thoughts and actions planned for every moment, at every place. By analyzing his Qur'ânic interpretations and his understanding of the sayings of the Prophet or hadiths within a sufi context forged a particular sufi theosophy that gave this text the power to aid in the daily spiritual exercises of the sufi way (tasawwuf) and in the spiritual and intellectual growth of the Suhrawardîyya members.

"Knowledge for God's Encounter" expands upon the continuity and tradition of the Suhrawardîyyâ sufi order by concentrating on the particulars of being a
sufi and living the sufi path. The translation and commentary will bring a clearer understanding on why sufi Muslims have seriously desired to enhance their knowledge of God. Their deep commitment to the tradition allowed them to provide real spiritual and temporal answers to existential problems. Like
mystics of other traditions, Shaikh al-Suhrawardî's sufi treatise is aimed at maintaining a spiritual life and also teaching his disciples the various meanings in sufi theology. This translation and commentary will contribute to an understanding of religious beliefs and practices, theology, and philosophy of a sufi order who were and are still one of the most visibly intellectual sufi orders in Islam.

'Awarif al-Ma'arif is a manual for daily study and practice written by the the renowned thirteenth-century Sufi thinker, Shaykh 'Abu Hafs al-Suhrawardi. The treatise recognizes the primary importance of the Quran and the Hadith, and functions as a medium of interpretation for the primary texts. The aim of the treatise is to assist the daily spiritual exercises and general intellectual development of the Suhrawardiyya members; it makes use of Quranic hermeneutics, Hadith commentary, rational arguments on epistemology, as well as discussing different levels of spirituality and proper manners. It also includes some severe critique of others orders and their interpretations of tasawwuf. In very many, if not all, of his arguments, Suhrawardi relies for authority upon Hadiths his own intimacy with the Prophet's way of life. The use of Hadiths in legal, philosophical, poetical, and religious contexts has long been known and understood. Their use in a Sufi spiritual manual is orientated toward presenting the way the Prophet as a model for inward and outward actions. Suhrawardi's intensive use of the Hadiths is a significant element in the treatise, enabling its readers to remember and re-enact the Prophet's way so that they can move from merely imagining to actually embodying the Prophet's spirituality. In sum, while the student rehearses and memorizes the Quran for the formal prayer rites, Prophetic Hadiths are committed to memory in order to cultivate a closer kinship to the Prophet and maintain his sacred presence at every moment.

"I believe the publication of this manuscript with Fons Vitae books will advance the serious study of Islamic theology and of sufi studies.  I think the field of Islamic studies, in general compared to the Christian, Jewish, and Buddhist traditions, lacks quality modern translations with commentary for academics and non-academics to access.  Some of the translations of classical Islamic texts, in particular earlier translations of sufi texts do not bring a greater depth of sufi knowledge, especially how the sufi author fits in the Islamic tradition.  With a greater desire to learn more about the religious tradition of Islam, there is a need to ensure that modern translations in fact take the reader to the deeper levels of wisdom."

Qamar-Ul Huda

Boston College

Table of Contents - KNOWLEDGE for ENCOUNTERING GOD: Al-Suhrawardi's 'Awarif al-Ma'arif

Chapter 1: Tasawwuf- The Sûfî way

A.                 The Inner Path

B.                 Rules of Guidance

C.                 Knowledge and the Sûfîs

D.                 Obtaining Wisdom

E.                  Purifying the heart

Chapter 2: Sûfî Reasoning

                        A.                 Visions of Truth

B.                 The tafsir and tawil of the Qur’ân

C.                 The Reasons for tasawwuf

                        D.                 Discourses with God

         Chapter 3: The Sûfî Journey

A.                 The Different States and Stations for Sûfîs

B.                 Fear, Shame, and Sincerity

                        C.                 Repentance and Trust in God

                        D.                 Annihilation and Subsistence in God

E.                  Transmigration of the Soul

F.                  Blessing of Solitude and Seclusion

G.                 Being Present with Truth

 Chapter 4: The Etiquette (âdâb) of Sûfî Practices

A.                 The Outer and Inner Worlds

B.                 The Âdâb of the Prophet

                        C.                 The Etiquette with one’s Shaikh

D.                 The Âdâb of the Sûfî quest

E.                  The Âdâb of Spirituality training

F.                  God’s Court of Âdâb

 Chapter 5: The Remembrance of God- Dhikr

                        A.                 The Benefits and Purposes of Dhikr

B.                 The Âdâb of Dhikr

C.                 The Spirituality of Dhikr

D            .     Cleaning the souls for the encounter

E.                  Specific recitation of formulas or tasliyât

F.                  Worship and Dhikr

  Chapter 6: The Unveiling Process

A.                 Opening oneself for Worship

B.                 Fasting, seclusion, and Pleasing the soul

C.                 The light of a Starving Soul

D.                 Beautiful actions for the Path

E.                  Being Received by the God’s truth

F.                  Contentment, gratification, and Clean Hearts

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