A Sufi Saint of the Twentieth Century: Shaikh Ahmad al-Alawi (Golden Palm Series)

Made purchase of 'Sufi Saint' by way of Thomas Merton's exceptional praise of the text which he read in the early 60''s.The first chapter, "Seen From The Inside" is an account of a doctor who cared for the Shaikh when ill and remaineda disciple of sorts/ confidante for many years. The inspired beauty of the M.D.' account flows like a first-hand lifecomposed by a disiple of a Christian Saint. The writing in this opening chapter is exceptional for its power to conveythe holiness and truth of Al-Alawi. Going further along with succeeding chapters may either interest or put off the reader.If the reader is interested in the minutia of Sufism, here's your treat. If not--like myself--just skip those chapters. Does thegeneral public know that the Sufi sect of Islam is under attack by mainstream Islam. Isis kill off Sufi like the Churchonce burnt heretics at the stake.

Following intensive research, the purchase of this book has been a part of the process of building a library of Islamic literature, that relates particularly to seeking the path of excellence in spirituality, purification of the heart, ascetism, and an appreciation and understanding of the experiences of those who have followed this very path previously. The goal, God willing, in turn is to be inspired and motivated to seek success in a journey of personal development. Hence, this book is a piece of the puzzle of the big picture. I have been very pleased with this book.

Enjoying the reading of this book.

this book is a good read. the first chapter was amazing.

Excellent

Though I don't know much about such things as whether this book is good in comparison to others, I can give my personal opinion. The first half of the book is more or less a biography, which is both entertaining and inspirational for anyone who likes to read about people and their lives...one interesting side note is that they compare his greatness to that of Ramana Maharshi. In any case...the second half of the book is absolutly amazing, and anyone who is new to the language the sufis use to explain universal truths will say "wow" more than once while reading this book...I would read a page or two and it would be interesting, and then I would suddenly read something that shifted me, made me give thanks and put the book down. This book is not for those who see themself as the judge..it is for those who are thankful for being gifted even the slightest desire to want to know and be with God. You will find something useful here. Peace.

This is a must read for anyone who is interested in the study of Sufism. This book makes such a complex topic so very readable...I urge everyone to read it. I have read it now.......about 4 times. You won't be disappointed....a truly beautiful book....The Christian Mystic...Father Thomas Merton was also an avid reader of this book.

A fine introduction to Sufism by Mr Martin Lings, one of the great writers on Islam and Sufism in recent years. The book is a biography of the Algerian Sheikh Ahmed al-Alawi the late grand Sheikh of the Alawiyye branch of the Shadhiliyye order one of the largets Sufi orders in Africa. The book begins with an introduction to Sufism for a doctor who has come to treat the Sheikh at his 'Zawiya' (Sufi meeting place)His impressions are unique in itself as a Frenchman and member of the colonialist class who in general looked upon the native Algerians and especially their religious leaders with contempt, although he does not enter the order he is left on reflection of his meeting with the Sheikh a profound feeling that he has truly been in the presence of a man of great spiritual light (describing him on first encounter as being similar to the traditional images of Christ)The book then gives a brief history of Sufism, the Alawiyye order and its founder Sheikh al-Alawi before chapter 2 goes on to explain the doctrine of the Sufi order. Chapter 3 is a translation of some of the Sheikhs works including his poetry.For anyone who has read the works of Thomas Merton, His Holiness the Dalai Lama or has any interest in Islam or Sufism this book will certainly be welcome on their bookshelf, truly a book for those of a spiritual heart.

Excellent, beautifully written

Very good.

After the opening chapter which is very insightful and heart felt, the rest of the book is neo-sufi questionable mysticism.