The Way of Abu Madyan

About The Book

This is the first English translation of works attributed to Abu Madyan, a seminal figure of Sufism in Muslim Spain and North Africa. The Arabic text accompanying the English translation also represents the first scholarly edition of these works in the original language. The variety of Abu Madyan’s oeuvre, which includes doctrinal treatises, aphorisms, and poetical works in the ode, qasida, style, provides a unique opportunity for students of Arabic and Sufism, as well as the interested layman, to experience several of the most important genres of religious writing in the Islamic Middle Period. The Arabic texts have been extensively vocalised in order to aid the student. The work as a whole is well-suited for use as a reader for advanced level classes in the Arabic language. In addition, notes have been provided in the English translation.

The Arabic parallel text, set by DecoType, Amsterdam, marks the debut of a new form of calligraphic typesetting in the classical Nashkstyle, combining state-of-the-art computer technology with unique faithfulness to the great calligraphic tradition of the Islamic world.

Content:

• Introduction
• The World of Maghrebi Sufism in the Twelfth Century AD
• The Career of Abu Madyan
• Abu Madyan and Sufism
• The Texts and their Translations
• The Supplication for Forgiveness.
• The Blessed Creed.
• Basic Principles of the Sufi Path.
• The Intimacy of the Recluse and Pastime of the Seeker.
• 5-12. Numerous Qasidas

Appendix I: The Ode in Nun by Ali ibn Isma’il ibn Hirzihim.

Appendix II: A Treatise on Sufism by Abu Ya’za Yalannur ibn Maymun ad-Dukkali.