An 18th-century collection of Sufi teachings, prayers and invocations.
This volume is a compilation of finely calligraphed and illuminated texts related to Sufism, the mystical dimension of Islam. Shown here is part of an illuminated list of the ninety-nine canonical names of God according to Islamic teachings (Asmā’ Allāh al-ḥusnā). These are written in Arabic with Persian translations in red ink underneath each line. Such a work was designed for recitation and/or meditation. The rest of the volume is taken up with instructions on spiritual life, litanies (awrad), supplications (ad‘iya), and texts on talismans in Arabic and Persian. With explanations and translations of all the Arabic passages, this volume was intended for use by a Persian speaker.
Dr Alessandro Cancian explores Sufism, Islamic mysticism. He charts its development as a historical phenomenon, its terminology and literature, as well as delving into the aim of the Sufi spiritual path and the importance of spiritual masters and the Qur’an.
Prayer is one of the five pillars of Islam. This article by Dr Amjad Hussain explains common features of Islamic prayer, such as the call to prayer, daily timings and the direction of prayer. He also explores the linguistic, geographic and sectarian diversity of prayer in Islam.
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