Fundamental Principles of Tasawwuf

The science of Taṣawwuf, often misunderstood and misrepresented, is the cornerstone of spirituality that guides the seeker toward sincerity, self-purification, and closeness to Allah. In this abridgment of Qawā'id al-Taṣawwuf, lessons from the illustrious Sheikh Aḥmad Zarrūq (d. 899 AH) presents a timeless masterpiece, systematizing the core principles of the spiritual path with unparalleled clarity.

This concise yet profound work delineates 40 essential principles, or qawā'id, from his larger work, that navigate the reader through the intricate interplay of iman, practice ('amal), and self-awareness. Sheikh Aḥmad Zarrūq explores the essence of Taṣawwuf by bridging it seamlessly with Islamic jurisprudence and theology. The text emphasizes that true spirituality is unattainable without sound understanding of the Sharī'ah, and vice versa, reminding us of the holistic unity between outward adherence and inward sincerity.

SOME OF THE KEY THEMES EXPLORED INCLUDE:

• The relationship between faith, jurisprudence, and spirituality, captured in the maxim, "No Taṣawwuf without Fiqh, and no Fiqh without Taṣawwuf."
• The perils of extremism in worship and the necessity of balance in religious practice.
• The conditions for sincerity in remembrance (dhikr) and the transformative power of seeking Allah through it.
• The role of mentorship and the necessity of a guide for traversing the spiritual path.
• The centrality of humility, ethical conduct, and adherence to the prophetic way in dealing with oneself and others.