The Illumination on Abandoning Self-Direction

“O slave of God! It is not fitting to accuse a charitable One. Nor to dispute with a powerful One. Nor to challenge a conquering One. Nor to object to a wise One. Nor to carry worry with a kind One.”

This profound book is so overflowing with wisdom it amazes the mind. The unparalleled author, Shaykh Ibn Ata’illah Al-Sakandari, may Allah be pleased with him, delivered another masterpiece with this work, where not a page fails to enrich, inform and delight. His digestible style of simple language, Qur’an, hadith, stories and parables will take the reader on a journey of the heart and mind, not returning except changed and illuminated for the better.

Of particular interest to the modern reader, in a world that seems to become more depressing with every year, is that this work fills one with hope, enthusiasm and faith. Such is the result when one trusts in God, relying on His management of affairs, and knows God to be kind, wise and full of care for His creation.

For any seeker of God, for anyone burdened with worries and grief, Shaykh Ibn Ata’illah extends his warm hand and deep knowledge, inviting you to take consolation in the managing of God, not your own managing; in the planning of God, not your own planning; and in the purposes of God, not your own purposes.

This completely new translation hopes to present an accessible yet true-to-the-original rendition of this great treasure of the Islamic tasawwuf tradition. A special foreword on the life and works of Shaykh Ibn Ata’illah has been provided by Dr. Abu Bakr Sirajuddin Cook.