Customer Reviews

Ibn 'Abbad of Ronda: Letters on the Sufi Path (Classics of Western Spirituality)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a realy beautiful book. Small passages of wisdom and advice that are so profound that they transcend the boundries of one religion and can be read by followers of all.

ibn Abbad was a great amongst Sufis. Not only did he write this collection his 'Risail' or letters but also was the author of a commentary upon the Hikam of ibn Atiullah.

Recomended for anyone seeking solace on their religious path.

a beautiful collection of letters dealing with one's relationship with God, in a variety of circumstances. Certain parts could even be called sublime (according to Longinus's definition), particularly in the last letter. It is fortunate that books such as this are available in English, representing as they do the spiritual riches of mankind. Ibn Abbad's voice is calm, sober and collected- and his advice and exposition of man's interaction with the divine transports one to a different level of experience.

Ibn 'Abbad is known for his highly useful commentary of the Hikam of ibn 'Ata'illah. In these letters, he helps the beginner through early obstacles on the path to spiritual excellence (ihsan) and intimate knowledge of God (ma'rifah). Renard's translation is an superb read because it isn't cumbersome like so many others.

I love this book. I bought a used copy and then worried about it falling apart and i bought the hard cover because I know I will always want to be able to read this book. I agree with what other reviewers have said. You feel you are with someone of integrity who cares in a profound way for the spiritual growth of those he writes to. Where can one find such a teacher? But somehow, reading this book you feel you know him, he becomes your teacher.