This is the first English translation of Miftah al-falah, a thirteenth
century Sufi text, written by Ibn 'Ata' Allah, one of the great masters
of the Shadhili Sufi order. It is considered to be one of his most
important works because it sets out the principles of actual Sufi
mystical practices, shedding light on the sacred invocations, and
associated practices, such as the spiritual retreat.
Written in a clear, lucid style, it offers a glimpse into the Sufi world
of the 7th Islamic century and allows us to see almost at first hand how
the novice was guided by the Sufi Shaykh and, above all, the purpose and
preparation involved in engaging in the invocation, dhikhru'llah. Ibn
'Ata' Allah sets out to define it, to explain its nature and power, to
show its results and to prove that it is part of the Prophet's Sunnah,
or practice. The author goes to great lengths to point out many Qur'anic
verses where dhikru'llah is mentioned and cites many noted
authorities.