This Level Two spirituality course covers one of the most important spiritual manuals in Islam, al-Tanwir fi Isqat al-Tadbir, authored by the great Shadhili sage, Imam Ibn `Ata’illah al-Sakandari. Through the careful analysis and explanation of this text provided by Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary, students will learn about the practical translation of belief in the Divine Decree and the meaning of spiritual liberation through absolute submission to Allah.
The course explores the relationship between creation (khalq) and provision (rizq) and explains how one can safely deal with the world and its wealth without becoming spiritually impure. It also discusses the nature of relying upon Allah as well as saving up provision for the future (iddikhar). Through this course, students will also acquire knowledge about the proper courtesies in seeking one's provision from Allah and understand the spiritual dispositions that protect them from the anxieties our time projected by the viciousness of neoliberal capitalism.
- Teacher: Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary
Al-Tanwir fi Isqat al-Tadbir, also known as Kitab al-Tanwir, is one of the most important spiritual manuals in Islam, authored by the great Shadhili sage, Imam Ibn `Ata’illah al-Sakandari. It provides a practical translation of belief in the Divine Decree and explains in great detail the meaning of spiritual liberation through absolute submission to Allah.
The intention of Imam Ibn `Ata’illah in his work is to free the spiritual traveler from the pains and worries of “what ifs” by establishing absolute trust in Allah. Through his commentary on selected verses from the Qur’an and words of the Prophet, peace and blessings are upon him, as well as, the litanies and counsels of the sages, particularly the Shadhilis, Imam Ibn `Ata’illah demonstrates a spiritual understanding that is well-versed in the tradition of Islam.
Kitab al-Tanwir, despite the fact that it was written about seven centuries ago, is very relevant to the concerns of our present day. Imam Ibn `Ata’illah in his piercing critique of self-absorption provides deep insight for many people who are exploring “spirituality” in the age of neoliberal capitalism with its debt-fueled conspicuous consumption and suppression of wage growth.
- This course is for adults.
- It is particularly beneficial for Muslims in general and students of knowledge in particular.
- It is a level Two course. In order to successfully complete this course, students should take Ibn Ata’illah’s Key Aphorisms and/or any Level 1 Spirituality course as well as a Level 1 Theology course.
- This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in learning about the practical application and the spiritual implications of belief in the Divine Decree.
- Learn about the nine stations of certainty.
- Learn about Prophet Ibrahim’s model of pure surrender and servitude.
- Distinguish between praiseworthy and blameworthy “tadbir.”
- Grasp how one can safely deal with the world and its wealth without becoming spiritually impure.
- Recognize the differences between having worldly means of livelihood and being divested of them.
- Learn how to avoid anxiety over one’s sustenance.
- Understand the relationship between creation (khalq) and provision (rizq).
- Identify the proper courtesies in seeking one's provision from Allah.
- Understand the nature of relying upon the Divine as well as saving up provision for the future (iddikhar).
