Stations of the Travelers: Manazil as-Sa’ireen By Hatem al-Haj

ISBN: 9798655410275

Author: Hatem Al-Haj

Book Binding: Paperback

Pages: 363

Size: 9.0 x 6.0 x 0.8 inch

Publication Year: 2020

Description

About This Book:
Hatem al-Haj's work "Stations of the Travelers: Manazil as-Sa'ireen" explores the spiritual journey and phases of travelers on the Sufi or Islamic mysticism path. The English translation of the title "Manazil as-Sa'ireen" is "Stations of the Travelers". In the Sufi tradition, "travelers" are those who set out on a spiritual quest in order to get closer to Allah (God) and get a better understanding of the divine. The different stages or stations that these searchers pass through as they advance on their quest to spiritual enlightenment are perhaps thoroughly explored in this book. In order to provide light on the mystical facets of the path to God, the author, Hatem al-Haj, is most likely a revered Sufi scholar or spiritual teacher who draws from Islamic teachings, particularly Sufi wisdom. For the purpose of guiding readers through the various stages of the spiritual journey, the book probably includes verses from the Quran, Hadiths, and the teachings of Sufi masters.
Hatem al-Haj may include tips, insights, and examples throughout the book to help readers comprehend the difficulties and benefits associated with each stage. The objective is likely to motivate spiritual seekers to strengthen their faith and reach new heights of spirituality. This book, Manâzil as-Sâ'ireen, is a masterpiece of taṣawwuf written by Imam Abu Ismâ'eel 'Abdullâh ibn Muhammad ibn 'Ali al-Anṣâri al-Harawi, one of the greatest Sufi masters of all times. The sheikh was Hanbali in his fiqh and Athari (scripturalist) in his creed. This makes it easier to decipher the symbolism of his statements: a result of the book's brevity and the sheikh's inclination toward linguistic finesse. I provide detailed footnotes for clarification. While I consulted many commentaries on Manâzil, including the rather brief commentaries by Imams al-Lakhmi and al-Munâwi, I owe most of my understanding of it to the instruction of my teachers and to Madârij as-Sâlikeen, another masterpiece written by Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, the erudite scholar who embodied the loving yet critical approach to the great legacy of Islamic spirituality.