Purification of the Mind (Jila’ Al-Khatir)

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This book contains discourses that Shaikh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani delivered at his school in Baghdad in the middle of the sixth Hijra century (1150-1151 CE). As in all of his sermons and writings, the great Shaikh explains to his audience how to lead a pious life to draw nearer to God. His words are the fruit of years of personal strife against his lower self and complete dedication to God, telling the fascinating story of his attainment to nearness to God.

The Shaikh addresses many spiritual diseases — such as envy, greed, arrogance, and attachment to this world — and the qualities that the seeker of God must acquire — such as love, renunciation, humility, satisfaction, patience, and truthfulness. He explains to the wayfarers in a simple but very powerful and effective way how to have their spiritual diseases healed and what qualities they need to acquire for the journey to God. The Master’s words and advice are not targeted at certain people but they address various spiritual states and stations. His words sate everyone thirsty for knowledge that takes him nearer to his Lord.

This gem from a great teacher contains advice for people of various spiritual states and stations:

• Forty-five discourses by Shaikh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani
• Essential exhortations for the seeker of God
• Genuine advice from the Master’s own spiritual experience
• Wise words elucidating the spiritual reality of Islam

Introduction to the Second Edition

A Biography of Shaikh ʿAbd Al-Qadir Al-Jilani

Good Behaviour in the Company of Shaikhs

Repentance

The Mediator

Love

Trust

Renunciation

Fear

Patience

Sincerity

Truthfulness

Sorrow

Satisfaction

Piety

Striving Against the Lower Self

The Blessings of Remembrance [of Allah]

The Works of the Heart

The Knowledge of Saints

Putting Knowledge into Practice

Spending on the Poor

Seclusion

Solitude

The Definition of the Sufi

Extinction

Pardoning

The Light of the Believer

Denouncing this World

The Fruit of Knowledge

Denouncing Hypocrisy

The Benefits of the Month of Ramadan

The Benefit of Mercy

The Prohibition of Injustice

Neglecting What is of No Concern

Humility

Denouncing Dissimulation

Envy

The Curtailment of Hopes

Death

Thinking Well of Others

Having a Sense of Shame

Enduring Affliction

Epilogue

Glossary