The Mystical Teachings of al-Shadhili

Reveals the heart of classical spiritual wisdom through vivid biography and sacred texts.

A landmark translation of one of the most important early Sufi biographies, The Mystical Teachings of al-Shadhili brings together the life, prayers, letters, and spiritual legacy of the great thirteenth-century master Abu al-?asan al-Shadhili—founder of one of the most influential Sufi orders in the world.

Drawing on Ibn al-Sabbagh's classical Arabic work Durrat al-Asrar wa Tu?fat al-Abrar, this volume offers readers a rare and richly annotated window into the inner world of Islamic spirituality. Al-Shadhili, who famously left no written books of his own, is here revealed through the voices of his companions, disciples, and successors—preserving his teachings through narrative, correspondence, devotional recitations, and lived example.

Edited and introduced by Ibrahim M. Abu-Rabi’, this edition combines scholarly precision with readability, making it an essential resource for students and general readers alike. From liturgies and litanies to doctrinal reflections on sincerity, retreat, and divine love, the text illuminates the full range of classical Sufi practice and thought.