05-24-2006, 09:18 AM
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: courses@islamiccircles.org