Islamic Circles Presents:


KEY TO THE SAINTLY PATH

by Sidi Abu Aaliyah (Jawziyyah Institute)*

Date: Saturday 27th May 2006
Time: 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Venue: Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street,
Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7HX

A course based on the book "Miftah Tariq al-Awliyâ" by Shaykh Ahmad bin Ibrahim al-Wasiti (d. 711 AH). It can be described as a Blueprint for the Believer with regards to his or her religious and spiritual growth.

It brings together, in a succinct but profound manner, the inward and outwards duties a person is required to know and fulfil in their worship of Allah and service to humanity. This classical text lays out a simple schema for Muslims as to how they can live an ethical, God-conscious life in this age of spiritual turmoil and socio-political upheaval.

Both Ibn Hajr al-'Asqalani and al-Dhahabi describe Shaykh Ahmad bin Ibrahim al Wasiti as a "master", "gnostic - 'arif" and "of great standing". Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali describes him as espousing "al-tasawwuf al-sahih", i.e. the sound form of Sufism or Islamic spirituality. Ibn Taymiyyah considered him to be the Junayd al-Baghdadi of his age; and personally addressed him as "our shaykh, the gnostic, the exemplar, the wayfarer to Allah."

Course objective: To understand the text's overall life-schema, so as to begin internalising its invitation.

The course will cover all the eight brief chapters of the book, a complete translation of which will be provided.

The themes to be discussed will include:

Remembering the Awesome Ordeal of Judgement Day;
Preparing the Essential Provisions - learning and carrying out the basic requirements of the Sacred Law, as well as the rights and responsibilities we owe to Allah and to others;
Being attached to Prophetic guidance, conduct and character - inwardly and outwardly, in one's day to day life;
How to instill and nurture love for the Prophet (pbuh);
Sincerity, Sacred Knowledge and Divine Remembrance;
Love, awe, fear and intimacy with Allah;
The role and influence of friends and the company we keep;
Prayer - its importance and inner dimensions.

* Entry is by prior booking only. Deadline: Wednesday 24th May 2006

* Places are limited so please book early to guarantee a place
* Notes and refreshments will be provided
* All welcome

To book or for more information contact:

Tel: 07092 032 136 / 07092 032 763
E-mail:

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