Purification of the Mind (Jila’ Al-Khatir) – Second Edition

This book has been replaced by a new edition

This book contains discourses that Shaikh ‘Abd Al-Qadir Al-Jilani delivered at his school in Baghdad in the middle of the sixth Hijra century (1150-1151 CE). As in all of his sermons and writings, the Shaikh explains to his audience in these discourses how to draw nearer to God. His words are the fruit of years of personal strife against his lower self and complete dedication to God, telling the fascinating story of his attainment to nearness to God.

The Shaikh addresses many spiritual diseases — such as envy, greed, arrogance, and attachment to this world — and the qualities that the seeker of God must acquire — such as love, renunciation, humility, satisfaction, patience, and truthfulness. He explains in a simple but very powerful and effective way to the wayfarers how to have their spiritual diseases healed and what qualities they need to acquire for their journey to God. The Shaikh’s words and advice are not targeted at certain people, but they address various spiritual states and stations. His words sate everyone thirsty for knowledge that takes him nearer to his Lord.

This gem from a great teacher contains advice for people of various spiritual states and stations:

• Forty-five discourses by Shaikh ‘Abd Al-Qadir Al-Jilani
• Essential exhortations for the seeker of God
• Genuine advice from the Master’s own spiritual experience
• Wise words elucidating the spiritual reality of Islam