The Key to Salvation: A Sufi Manual of Invocation (Golden Palm) [Paperback]

Ibn Ata Allah al-Iskandari (Author), Mary Ann Koury-Danner (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1996 | Series: Golden Palm

This is the first English translation of Miftah al-falah, a thirteenth century Sufi text, written by Ibn Ata Allah, one of the great masters of the Shadhili Sufi order. It is considered to be one of his most important works because it sets out the principles of actual Sufi mystical practices, shedding light on the sacred invocations, and associated practices, such as the spiritual retreat. Written in a clear, lucid style, it offers a glimpse into the Sufi world of the 7th Islamic century and allows us to see almost at first hand how the novice was guided by the Sufi Shaykh and, above all, the purpose and preparation involved in engaging in the invocation, dhikhru'llah. Ibn Ata' Allah sets out to define it, to explain its nature and power, to show its results and to prove that it is part of the Prophet's Sunna, or practice. The author goes to great lengths to point out many Qur'anic verses where dhikru'llah is mentioned and cites many noted authorities.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Arabic

About the Author

Mary Ann Koury-Danner, currently Area Specialist for Middle Eastern Studies at Indiana University Library, has already won two awards for this translation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 270 pages
• Publisher: Islamic Texts Society (May 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0946621276
• ISBN-13: 978-0946621279
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,355,695 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Master!, August 10, 2000

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"ummtas" (Allah) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Key to Salvation: A Sufi Manual of Invocation (Golden Palm) (Paperback)

This book is too expensive, but if you can find it at a lesser price, get the book. Although it is in question as to if this is REALLY an Ibn Ata'ullah text, the teacher who I studied this book did not say it was not, as well, he had the original in Arabic..hummm...

certainly, this text is beautiful, easy to read. Although it is not your normal sufi text. This book offers solutions to your problems with prayer, worshiping Allah, and remembrance of Him. Have a problem with wondering off in wherever land when you pray? Wonder why when you make remembrance of Him (dhikr) your heart does not "feel" like it is there?

This book offers many great antedotes to common problems why we face these delemas in our worship-they have become only for show. and not sincere! This book is for those who need some direction into how to worship Allah, help your heart, and soften it! Salafi's I highly recommend it because have you ever wondered why you condem every Muslim who wants to Worship Allah as though you see him? This texts will open new doors to softening the hearts of the dryest person!