For the Sufi, each name also holds a different spiritual power that can be accessed via meditative chants called dhikr. The Shams al-Ma’arif takes this one step further and is a treatise on the properties of each of Allah’s names. It claims reciting the different names in certain ways can grant believers access to divine powers and magics.

Shamsu'l-Ma'arif". eshaykh.com. Archived from the original on October 23, 2011 . Retrieved July 9, 2011. Although a translation into English has not been undertaken, there have been numerous renditions of a few of the more popular rituals found within the main treatise, as well as those that lie in its accompanying text. Some of these rituals have had various degrees of notability, but one of recurring presence in many publications is that of the Birhatiya [12] [13] [14] (also known as The Ancient Oath or Red Sulphur [15]). We must confirm all of Allaah’s Names and Attributes stated in His book (The Qur’an) or mentioned through His Messenger (Muhammad without changing them or ignoring them completely or twisting the meanings or giving them resemblance to any of the created things. These three aspects of Tauhid are included in the meaning of Laa ilaaha illullaah (None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah). It is essential to follow Allaah’s Messenger, Muhammad and it is part of the worship of the One God (Tawheedul-Uloohiyyah). This is included in the meaning of "I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah," and this means, "None has the right to be followed after Allaah’s Book (The Qur’an), but Allah’s Messenger," Allah said: "And whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain from it". (Qur’an 59:7) Narratives of Danger: The Sun of Knowledge in Arabic Occulture". Leidenislamblog. June 30, 2022 . Retrieved June 1, 2023.None can be named or attributed with the Names or Attributes of Allaah. E.g. The Mighty (Al Azeez). This exegesis of the divine name Al-Alim, the All Knowing, is of great interest. The author notes the standard understanding, which remains true today, the more knowledge one obtains, the wiser one is, and at knowledge consists of concepts and the outward appearance of things. The author contrasts this knowledge of the scholars with true knowledge, the all encompassing knowledge of the inner realities of things. This wisdom is exemplified by the figure of Khizr whose wisdom surpassed even Moses, not because Khizr had more knowledge than Moses, but because he understood the hidden secrets and inner nature of all things. Khizr was superior to Moses in gnosis, not knowledge. Shams Al-Ma'arif Al-Kobra: v. 2: Illumination of Knowledge [Hardcover] Ahmad Al-Buni (Author) Book Description This is volume 2 a continuation of the original manuscript of Shams al-ma'arif al-kobra (The Illumination of Knowledge) by renowned Sufi Ahmed ibn 'Ali ibn Yusuf al-Buni (d1225). It is one of the most widely read medieval treatise on talismans, magic square and prayers of protection against magic. It also includes a number of sciences including ilm al-Hikmah (knowledge of Wisdom), ilm al-simiyah (study of Divine Names) and Ruhaniyat (spirituality). Allaah, The Exalted said: "Say you (O Muhammad): "This is my way; I invite unto Allaah ( i.e. to the Oneness of Allaah – Islamic Monotheism) (with sure knowledge), I and whosoever follows me (also must invite others to Allaah i.e. the Oneness of Allaah -Islamic Monotheism) with sure knowledge. And Glorified and Exalted is Allaah (above all they associate as partners with Him), and I am not of the polytheists." (Qur’an 12:108) The Sun of Knowledge (Shams al-Ma'arif) is one of the most revered historical grimoires of the Arabic corpus. Feared by some, hallowed by others, it is one of the most famous - or infamous - books in the Arabic-speaking and Islamicate world. Written in Egypt in the thirteenth century by a Sufi mystic and mage of Algerian origin, the Shams presents the fundamentals of Arabic-Islamic occult work - from spiritual cosmology and astrology (including various particularly lunar magics) to working with spirits and jinn, magical employment of letters and numbers, and the occult applications of the Qur'an - thereby comprising a veritable encyclopedia of Islamicate magical wisdom and formulae. Images and descriptions of amulets and talismans adorn it. Numerous beautiful manuscripts of the Sun of Knowledge have survived, various of which have been used as a basis for this present work. Never before published in English, this selected translation includes sections of the Sun of Knowledge on the mysteries of the letters, astrological timings, lunar mansions, the ancient Arab beliefs surrounding the stars, planetary matters, astronomy, the angels for and workings pertaining to the four seasons, summoning the jinn, the employment of the names of God for many and varied purposes, the construction of the famed ring of Solomon, and a miscellany of tried-and-true talismans. This selected translation takes a general approach to a much vaster text, and features illustrations, original artwork, and commentary to assist those unfamiliar with Islamic magic and culture. This edition is also ideal for any student of magic or the occult, classical Arabic astrology and astronomy, Islamic esotericism, or Sufism.

Iqbal al-Din Ahmad, Shams al-Ma'arif al-Kubra Wa Lata'if al-'Awarif. Urdu, Darul Ishaat, Karachi, Pakistan: 1978. Another title by the same author, namely Manba' Usool al-Hikmah ("The Source of the Essentials of Wisdom"), is considered its companion text. The sincere person is the one who understand, acts according to its requirements, invites others to it, and gives it presidents over all other issues, because it is the concise formula of Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism) for which human beings are created. Laa illaaha illullaah is the foundation of Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism) and Islam. It is a complete system of life, through which, all forms of worship (of Allaah) are realized. That happens when a Muslim submits himself to Allah, and calls upon Him alone, and refers all issues (of right and wrong) to His Law, to the exclusion of all other systems of law. "The word ilah ( i.e. God), means the One who is obeyed and not defied, out of one sense of awe and reference, love, fear, and hope, placing one’s trust in Him, asking Him and supplicating Him alone. Whoever directs any of these matters (which are the rights of Allaah) to a created being, has detract from the sincerity of his statement La ilaha illa- Allaah. And he has worshipped that created being to the extent he directed those matters toward it".

The Sun of Knowledge (Shams al-Ma'arif): An Arabic Grimoire in Selected Translation.

In 2021, Amina Inloes, PhD and J.M. Hamade released an English translation with selections from the text however the entire treatise has yet to be rendered in English. And since the manifestation of Science belongs to the sanctified spirits, the spirit of the angel Jibrāīl is destined to instruct the prophets, being one of the noblest our prophet Muhammad, God bless and save him! who was inspired by humility, for Allah said: "He has taught an angel of great power and strength, since he appeared in his true form." Noble Quran, Sura 56, verses 5-6. Several editions of the book have been published in the Urdu and Turkish languages, but we will finally produce an English version of this book. All the prophets of God including; Adam, Noah, Abraham, Issac, Jacob, and the tribes, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them), invited the people to the same thing, to worship The One God without any partners, son or associates.