Customer Reviews

The Spiritual Writings of Amir Abd Al-Kader (S U N Y Series in Western Esoteric Traditions)

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Anyone who reads the works of ibn Arabi needs this book. Not the largest book in the world and only a partial translation this is the writings of the great Sheikh Emir (Amir) abd al-Kader. A scholar of the Qadiri Sufi order well versed in the teachings of ibn Arabi, a defender of his homeland against French colonialism (something of a national hero in Algeria, he passed away in Syria after surrendering to the French, his remains were returned to Algeria after independence) He was one of the most well known and important of all the Sufi Sheikhs of that era (ranking along side Uthman dan Fodio, Imam as-Sanusi and Imam Shamil)

Just to give you an idea of his importance when he did surrender to the French he was given a heros welcome on his arrival in Ottoman Istanbul and a street in Bursa was named after him.

Its so important that is writings are published in English especially when we have the efforts of for example certain Middle East publishers who seem to be making great efforts in 'dumbing down' the Muslim faith to rigid rules and regulations.

The Emirs writings are similar in style to ibn Arabis and it may be of use to familarise yourself with Sufism, try the Burckhard translation of the Fusus and the writings of Imam Haddad, Titus Burckhard and al-Ghazali otherwise you may find this book a little difficult to understand.