The sayings and wisdom of Imam `Ali transcend superficial differences, to reveal everlasting truths that can only serve to guide and illuminate the seeker and traveler on his or her journey through life, as clearly, constantly, and unerringly as the Pole Star.
THE ENLIGHTENED SAYINGS OF HAZRAT 'ALI The Right Hand of the Prophet Translation & Introduction by Paul Smith Hazrat 'Ali (598-661) was Prophet Mohammed's nephew, son-in-law and favourite and was the first Imam of the Shi'ites and the fourth of the true caliphs of the Sunnis. Sufi Masters believe in Ali as one of the 'Seven Great Ones' in the first generation of teachers and many in orders of Dervishes trace their spiritual ancestry back to him. Hazrat Ali's sayings are published as Nahj al-Balagh or 'The Peak of Experience'... a treasury of wisdom and divine grace. It is said that he wrote the original Koran in his own blood as Prophet Mohammed gave it. He also composed a Divan of enlightened poetry and one of his important, profound ghazals is translated in the Introduction on his Life, Times & Works to this book. Pages 260. COMMENTS ON PAUL SMITH'S TRANSLATION OF HAFIZ'S 'DIVAN'. "It is not a joke... the English version of ALL the ghazals of Hafiz is a great feat and of paramount importance. I am astonished. If he comes to Iran I will kiss the fingertips that wrote such a masterpiece inspired by the Creator of all." Dr. Mir Mohammad Taghavi (Dr. of Literature) Tehran. "Superb translations. 99% Hafiz 1% Paul Smith." Ali Akbar Shapurzman, translator in English into Persian and knower of Hafiz's Divan off by heart. "Smith has probably put together the greatest collection of literary facts and history concerning Hafiz." Daniel Ladinsky (Penguin Books author). Paul Smith is a poet, author and translator of over 80 books of Sufi poets from the Persian, Arabic, Urdu, Turkish, Hindi, Pashtu and other languages including Hafiz, Sadi, Nizami, Rumi, 'Attar, Sana'i, Jahan Khatun, Obeyd Zakani, Nesimi, Kabir, Anvari, Ansari, Jami, Khayyam, Rudaki, Yunus Emre, Lalla Ded, Baba Farid, Shah Latif, Mahsati, Makhfi, Mu'in. Majnun, Mansur Hallaj, Abu Sa'id, Sarmad and others, and his own poetry, fiction, children's books, plays, biographies and a dozen screenplays.
This is a humble translation for a book that can be considered modern, but the information it contains are of antiquity. "This is the book of 2500 adages for imam Ali (puh)." The book might not contain exactly that number of adages but it might be some number around that. The book categorizes the adages and sayings in different chapters, each contain a specific branch of life. At he end of the book, there is the "Poetec adages" which I have translated without keeping the rhyme, but meaning' by translating word for word method, for there are different obstacles that a not avoidable in the way."--Word of the Translator.
The life and legacy of one of Mohammad’s closest confidants and Islam’s patron saint: Ali ibn Abi Talib Ali ibn Abi Talib is arguably the single most important spiritual and intellectual authority in Islam after prophet Mohammad. Through his teachings and leadership as fourth caliph, Ali nourished Islam. But Muslims are divided on whether he was supposed to be Mohammad’s political successor—and he continues to be a polarizing figure in Islamic history. Hassan Abbas provides a nuanced, compelling portrait of this towering yet divisive figure and the origins of sectarian division within Islam. Abbas reveals how, after Mohammad, Ali assumed the spiritual mantle of Islam to spearhead the movement that the prophet had led. While Ali’s teachings about wisdom, justice, and selflessness continue to be cherished by both Shia and Sunni Muslims, his pluralist ideas have been buried under sectarian agendas and power politics. Today, Abbas argues, Ali’s legacy and message stands against that of ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Taliban.
Living and Dying with Grace is a book of aphoristic Sufi teachings on how to make one's way in the world—especially on how to bring spiritual insight to the affairs of daily life. Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, contains a vast body of knowledge concerning the inner development of the complete human being. Among the greatest of Sufi masters, Hadrat 'Alî (598-661 CE), cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, is regarded as a paragon of compassion and virtue and a master of both exoteric and esoteric knowledge. He was not only a great warrior, statesman, and scholar, but also a devoted husband and father. Success in this life, 'Alî teaches, is bestowed on those who maintain generosity, intelligence, perseverance, integrity, and calm reflection. As for success in the hereafter, 'Alî says, "God, the Glorified, admits to Paradise anyone, at will, for truthfulness of intention and goodness of innermost thoughts." This book contains four hundred of Hadrat 'Alî's teachings, showing how people can use the everyday realities of their lives to cultivate wisdom and well-being, both temporal and eternal, offering a path to living and dying with grace.
"The highest honor a philosopher can receive is to be nominated by his peers for inclusion in the series of The Library of Living Philosophers [for which the] latest entry is The Philosophy of Seyyed Hossein Nasr. And the highest honor a theologian can receive is to be invited to deliver the Gifford Lectures in Glasgow, Scotland. Seyyed Hossein Nasr is the only person ever to have received both of these honors.... This valuable book distills the essence of the thought of one of the most important thinkers or our times." Book jacket.
"The Way of the Sufi presents an unparalleled cross-section of material from Sufi schools, teachings and classical writings, as a basic course of Sufi study. Its author, Idries Shah, is regarded as the most influential modern exponent of Sufi ideas. His many books on the subject seek to make some of the Eastern world's greatest teachings accessible to a Western audience. In this book, Shah begins with the outward aspects of the teaching most likely to puzzle the student coming fresh to the subject. He considers various attitudes to Sufi ideas, and evidence of their absorption into medieval Christianity, Hinduism, Jewish mysticism and modern philosophical teachings. The greater part of the book illuminates aspects of Sufi activity and practice relevant to the contemporary world." --
The complete version of Nahjul Balagha, translated with precision and care, is a treasure trove of wisdom and insight for seekers of truth and knowledge. This unparalleled collection of sermons, letters, and aphorisms by Imam Ali (AS), the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is a masterpiece of Arabic literature and a testament to the richness and complexity of Islamic thought. The translation of Nahjul Balagha allows readers to delve deep into the heart of Islamic spirituality and discover the depth and breadth of Imam Ali's teachings. With its concise yet powerful language, Nahjul Balagha covers a wide range of topics, from theology and ethics to politics and governance, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of Islam and its values. As one of the most significant works of Islamic literature, Nahjul Balagha has been studied and revered by scholars and students of Islam for centuries. It's timeless wisdom and universal appeal make it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Islam and its teachings. This translation of Nahjul Balagha, with its accessible language and insightful commentary, is an invaluable addition to the libraries of both scholars and laypeople alike. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of Islam and Imam Ali's (AS) teachings.