بستان العارفين للنووي-البشائر

Bustan al-'Arifin lil-Nawawi

A valuable classical work on Islamic spirituality, purification of the heart (Tazkiyat al-Nafs), asceticism (Zuhd) and the cultivation of noble character, by the celebrated Shāfiʿī jurist and Ḥadīth scholar, Imām al-Nawawī, author of Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn and al-Adhkār.
Bustān al-ʿĀrifīn (The Garden of the Gnostics) brings together Qurʾānic verses, Prophetic Aḥādīth, sayings of the early Muslim scholars, accounts of the righteous and instructive spiritual anecdotes, intended to awaken the heart, encourage sincere devotion to Allah and inspire the reader towards a life of piety and righteousness.
 
The work opens with an important discussion on sincerity (Ikhlāṣ) and the necessity of maintaining a sound intention (Niyyah) in all outward and inward actions. Imām al-Nawawī examines the nature of sincerity and truthfulness (Ṣidq), drawing upon the Qurʾān, Sunnah and statements of the early spiritual masters to illustrate the importance of directing one's actions exclusively towards Allah.
 
The author subsequently presents a rich selection of beneficial teachings, spiritual counsel and accounts of the extraordinary experiences and blessings (Karāmāt) granted to the Awliyāʾ, illustrating the spiritual excellence of the righteous and the importance of steadfastness in obedience to Allah. These accounts are accompanied by instructive anecdotes that highlight the virtues of humility, sincerity, devotion, detachment from worldly distractions and constant awareness of Allah.
 
Unlike a systematic manual of Islamic theology or jurisprudence, Bustān al-ʿĀrifīn is a collection of spiritually uplifting passages, scholarly observations and accounts from the lives of the pious. Its varied contents make it suitable for both continuous reading and occasional reflection, offering valuable reminders to students of knowledge and general readers alike.
 
This edition is published by Dār al-Bashāʾir al-Islāmiyyah, Beirut, doesn’t just contain the text, but includes the detailed commentary of the famous Shaykh Muhammad al-Hajjar. His commentary turns every anecdote or hadith into a mini-bayan, filled with insight and fawaid.
 
A beneficial addition to the library of students of Islamic knowledge, teachers, scholars and readers interested in classical Islamic spirituality and the teachings of the early righteous generations.
 
📘 Beautiful colourful, high-quality edition.