The Subtle Blessings in the Saintly Lives of Abul Al-Abbas Al-Mursi & His Master Abu Al-Hasan Al-Shadhili: Lata’if Al-Minan

This deeply personal reminiscence of one man’s growth in Islamic mysticism is a tribute to the two great shaykhs who molded his spiritual life and vision. Filled with anecdotes illustrating the shaykhs’ spiritual gifts and insights, the text not only conveys the beauty and inspiration of these men’s lives and their utter devotion to God, but also helps readers to approach a life of devotion and inimitable blessings. Sufi interpretations of Qur’an passages and traditional Sufi spiritual litanies are included. An appendix features an account of female gnostic Hajja Zakia’s life and devotion to Shaykh Abul Hasan and is augmented by a photographic essay.

Ibn ’Ata’ Allah al-Iskandari was both a Muhaddith and a Maliki jurist in the 13th century whose works became basic training manuals for aspirants across North Africa. A student of al-Mursi, he was the second to succeed Imam Abul-Hasan, the founder of the Shadhili Order, which continues to this day. Nancy Roberts has spent 10 years translating materials in the areas of ancient and modern Arabic literature, health care, law, current events, Islamic law, and history.