Customer Reviews

Concerning the Affirmation of Divine Oneness (Risala fi't-Tawhid)

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ASA. While I do not self identify as a *Sufi* per se (in part because I view the notion of a Sufi as an honor I am presently unworthy and incapable of, and also partially because I've not yet found *the* Tariqa/ Sheikh that/ who resonates perfectly in my heart), this text is a beautiful and useful exposition of the Sufi understanding of Tawhid. The text itself is extraordinary -- a five page treatise on the notion of God's Oneness. The two subsequent commentaries (about 35 and 40 pages, respectively) are fabulous and manage to avoid redundancy. Equally valuable is M. Holland's easy to read and yet incredibly eloquent translation. In all this book is well-worth reading (and re-reading) even if you perceive Sufis as misguided/deviant/whatever, or you take a radically different approach to issues of Aqida.

The sole objection I have to this book was succintly put by a prominent Sufi Sheikh -- he observed that it is only when a Tariqa is in a spiritual quagmire that its followers boast of their venerated figures' miracles. I am not certain whether miracles continue, and, as far as I can tell, the Sheikh's point was precisely to note their *relative* unimportance; if a Sufi Guide has beautiful ideas and advice, one should gravitate to that individual on those grounds... The brother I refer to was quick to point out that according to many Sunni texts the 'False Prophet' will have apparent 'miracles' too! Fortunately the discussion of miracles is limited to the introduction in this text. In any event, enjoy what is sure to bring you novel and constructive thoughts on the Creator!