SUFI APHORISMS

(Kitāb al-Hikam by Ibn ‘Atāullah)

SUFI API-IORISMS (Kitdb al-Hikam by Ibn `Ataullah) Victor Danner This attractive and eloquent little volume is one of the great basic texts of Islamic mysticism. A collection of 262 aphorisms that constitute a masterful summary of the truths of the Sufi Path, it combines the profound Sufi teachings and real charm of language that characterises the Hikam. The book unfolds the integral Sufi doctrine on all levels in a manner calculated to appeal to pious Muslims in general. It can be likened to a necklace of precious jewels. The jewel like independence of many of the aphorisms has conferred upon them, in the course of centuries, an existence of their own, and a fame of their own. Nevertheless it is illuminative gnosis, or ma`rifah, that constitutes the inner thread holding the many jewels in place and giving to the work its underlying perspective and unity.