A Journey to God – Reflections on the Hikam of Ibn Ata’illaah (Islamic Spiritual Wisdom Guide)

A Journey to God – Reflections on the Hikam of Ibn Ata’illaah (Islamic Spiritual Wisdom Guide)

A Journey to God: Reflections on the Hikam of Ibn Ata’illaah by Jasser Auda presents powerful reflections on the timeless wisdom of Ibn Ata’illah al-Iskandari. The book offers spiritual guidance and practical insights to help readers strengthen their relationship with Allah and develop inner purification.

From Author:

A Journey to God by Jasser Auda is a book on some of the wisdoms of Ibn Ata’illah, may Allah have mercy upon him. They are short wisdoms with short commentaries but very powerful.The ultimate yearning of the human soul is to return to its Lord in a state where He is pleased with His servant and the Servant is pleased with his Master. This book offers a unique insights to prepare you for the journey to God through the wisdom of the great spiritual master Ibn Ata'illah al-Iskandari as expounded in his masterpiece al-Hikam

The Start of the Spiritual Journey

The book begins by asking an essential question: Where should we begin our journey to God? Rather than relying solely on our good deeds, readers are encouraged to turn their hearts toward Allah, place their trust in Him, and hope in His mercy and generosity.

Repentance and Hope

A central message of the book is that mistakes should not lead a believer to despair. True hope in Allah is accompanied by sincere repentance and a return to Him. The author explains how recognizing our shortcomings can become the beginning of meaningful spiritual growth.

Relying on Allah

The reflections emphasize that believers should rely upon Allah rather than becoming overly dependent on their own actions or abilities. His mercy and bounty remain greater than our shortcomings, reminding us to maintain trust and hope throughout life's journey.

Purification and Self-Reflection

Readers are encouraged to examine their hearts and discover their own weaknesses and flaws. Instead of seeking hidden knowledge about the world, the book highlights the greater importance of understanding and improving oneself.

Sincerity and Good Deeds

The book explains that actions gain their true value through sincerity to Allah. Good deeds are not merely outward actions; they require a sincere heart and the correct intention.

Patience, Gratitude, and Contentment

Through reflections on patience, gratitude, blessings, and divine giving and withholding, the book teaches readers how to respond to life's tests and blessings with faith and wisdom.

Making the Most of Time

The author also reflects on the value of time and the difference between merely having a long life and making meaningful use of it. Every moment can become an opportunity for spiritual growth and drawing closer to Allah.

Freedom from Neediness and Humiliation

The book explores the spiritual dangers of excessive dependence upon people and worldly possessions. It encourages believers to seek dignity, freedom, and true reliance through their relationship with Allah.

A Journey Toward God

At its heart, A Journey to God is about returning to one's Lord with a heart filled with faith, sincerity, repentance, and hope. It offers unique insights into the wisdom of Ibn Ata'illah al-Iskandari, helping modern readers reflect upon the deeper meaning of their spiritual journey and their ultimate destination.

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Page 01
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JOURNEY TO GOD
Reflections on the Hikam of Ibn Ata'illah
الحطان
Jasser Auda
Page 02
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION: The start of the journey.
Repentance and hope.
The dominance of the universal laws of God. 14 3 Relying on God.
Sincerity to God.
S
Reflection.
Purification before shining.
Seizing time.
Patience with tests.
Perfecting the beginnings.
Discovering one's flaws.
Self-criticism.
Good friends.
Keeping up with mentioning God.
Freedom from humiliation, neediness, and illusion.
Thanking God for His blessings.
Understanding God's giving and depriving.
Page 03
FIRST STEP
Repentance and hope
If you find yourself having less hope in God when you make a mistake, then realise that you are only relying on your work, not on God's Mercy.
IN THE NAME OF GOD, THE LORD OF MERCY, THE GIVER OF MERCY
W
THEN I HAVE an intention to start or re-start a spiritual journey to God, I have to ask myself: where should I start? And what should I take with me on this journey? Should I recall the good deeds I have done and take them as my provisions in this journey? The answer given by Ibn Ata in these words of wisdom is: No! Do not rely even on your good deeds, rather start your journey to God by simply turning your heart to Him, putting your trust in Him alone, and hoping only for His Mercy and Bounty to carry you through your journey.
However, one might ask: Is not receiving God's mercy a result of good deeds? And, does God's mercy and bounty stop when I have no good deeds? The answer is no. Now if God were to take humans immediately to task for all the evil that they do, He would not leave a single living creature upon the face of earth (Quran 16:61). Therefore, it is not a matter of 'deserving' or 'earning' God's mercy and bounties. It is a matter of relying on God's mercy and bounties to receive them despite one's shortcomings. This is the right start for the right course.
But turning to God and hoping for His mercy must be accompanied by repentance from one's mistakes and errors. According to God's universal laws, in order to put something in a certain place, there must be room and space for this addition. Faith and light is no
Page 04
A JOURNEY TO GOD
Reflections on the Hikam of Ibn Ata'illah
There is no real distance between you and God for you to journey.
Actions are like statues that only come to life with the spirit of sincerity.
Trying to discover the flaws within you is better than trying to discover the worlds hidden from you.
The tree of humiliation stems from a seed of neediness.
If the light of deep faith shines on you, you will see the Hereafter before journeying to it.
His most perfect blessing on you is to give you just enough.
How often has a long life brought about so little, and how often has a short life brought about so much.
The ultimate yearning of the human soul is to return to its Lord in a state where He is pleased with His servant and the servant is pleased with his Master. This book offers unique insights to prepare you for the journey to God in light of the wisdom of the great spiritual master Ibn Ata'illah al-Iskandari as expounded in his masterpiece al-Hikam and the universal laws as ordained by the Divine.