LAHORE UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES (LUMS)

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

SPRING 2006 - 2007

SS – ISLAMIC SPIRITUALITY
Kamaluddin Ahmed
kamaluddin@lums.edu.pk

Introduction
The field of Islamic spirituality, classically known as tasawwuf, is as infinitely diverse as
it is vast. It may be studied in a variety of ways: sociologically, historically, culturally,
doctrinally, or textually. This course attempts to explore classical Islamic spirituality
from the latter two perspectives, and the choice of approach naturally affects what is
included in or omitted from this survey. Textually, we will read, in translation, some of
the classical works of this tradition. By exploring different authors across different eras
and through different genres, it is hoped that students will learn about the spiritual
philosophy of Islam as well as its moral psychology. Doctrinally, we will examine the
relationship between spirituality and other dimensions of Islam, such as kalam [theology]
and fiqh [jurisprudence].

We will explore the reading material from four perspectives:

a) source methodology: the use of the Qur'an and sayings of the Blessed messenger
to establish ideas and practices of spirituality
b) formal development of modes of spirituality centered on particular philosophies
and methods including a comparative study of Arabic, Persian, and Indo-Pak
traditions.
c) knowledge and transmission: an investigation of how this material was
considered a branch of sacred knowledge [‘ilm] and how it was transmitted from
one generation to the next.
d) literary analysis of nine different genres used in the works of this tradition: 1-
Canonical Works [mutun], 2- Practical Manuals [rasaail], 3- Autobiographies, 4-
Noted Sayings and Teachings [malfuzaat], 5- Anecdotes of Wisdom [hikam], 6-
Letters [maktubaat], 7- Poetry [ash’aar], 8- Parables [hikayaat], and 9- Intimate
supplications [munajaat]

Prerequisite: SS 182 - Islamic Studies.

Requirements and Grading

™ Attendance 5%
™ Class Participation 5%

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 ™ In-Class Response Quizzes 15%
™ Midterm 15%
™ Two 4-6 page literature reviews 30%
™ Final Exam 30%

Attendance is, by consent of the Dean, mandatory. Attendance policy is plain and
simple: You are allowed three free absences, at any time and for any reason (illness,
death of a relative, wedding in family, oversleeping, etc.). You miss class at your own
risk however, and will receive a 0 for a quiz if taken that day. No petitions will be
entertained. The lowest score quiz will be dropped at the end of the term. Additional
absences (beyond 3) will be penalized as follows:

Number of Additional Absences Grade Reduction

1 2 of the 5% for Attendance
2 5 of the 5% for Attendance
3 and more 10% reduction of overall grade per extra absence.

No petitions will be entertained for additional absences except in the most extreme of
circumstances. The final decision lies with the instructor.

Class sessions will be a combination of lecture and discussion. Assigned readings form
the basis of lectures, class discussions and your written work. Keeping up with the
readings is thus crucial for satisfactory performance in the course and everyone is
expected to come to class having digested the reading and ready to explain and analyze
them in class discussion. Class participation points may be earned by a thoughtful
contribution during class or through an email on the readings and lecture on the day of
class. Occasionally, and at random, response quizzes will be given at any time during
class. These will consist of short answers to questions based on the readings for that day.

Two Literature Reviews will be due during the course of the quarter, as outlined below.
In 4-6 double-spaced pages, you will have to analytically comment on any aspect or
theme of one or more of the readings assigned for those sessions. Literature Reviews
should not be lists of quotes or summaries of the readings nor should they merely
restate the lectures on the readings. Instead, offer your own thoughtful reaction to
what you read or further develop the ideas and lines of thought generated by the
lectures. For example, you may challenge the author’s definition of terms, question his
analysis or argument, raise relevant questions left unanswered by the author, present your
own analysis of the issue under examination, or discuss a common trait in the different
readings.

A closed book/closed notes midterm exam will be held in the midterm week.

The final exam will be an open book/closed notes essay exam.

Course Readings and Outline

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All readings are in a reading packet available for purchase from the Nashuatec photocopy
center and for loan from the library. Students are strongly encouraged to acquire their
own packet so that they may mark and highlight passages while reading. You should
bring the readings with you to class as we may refer to specific passages during class
discussions.

A list of readings and a course schedule are provided below. We will try to cover as
much of the readings as possible this term. Readings for each session will be announced
throughout the quarter. Be sure to check your email regularly.

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 READING LIST

SECONDARY SOURCES
1- “Works [Islam], Faith [Iman], and Perfection [Ihsan]” in William C. Chittick,
Faith and Practice of Islam (Albany: State University of New York Press,
1992), 1-5.
2- “Ihsan, Ikhlas, and Taqwa,” in Faith and Practice of Islam, 9-12.
3- “Scriptural Themes” in John Renard, Seven Doors to Islam (Berkeley:
University of California Press, 1996), 9-13.
4- “Rise and Early Development of Sufism” in Fazlur Rahman, Islam (Chicago:
The University of Chicago Press, 1979), 128-132.
5- “The Ascetics” and “The Mystics” in A.J. Arberry, Sufism (London: George
Allen & Unwin Ltd, 1956), 31-44.
6- “The Mystics” in Sufism, 45-63.
7- “The Decay of Sufism” in Sufism, 119-123.
8- “Sufism and Islam,” Faith and Practice of Islam, 165-179.
9- “The Poverty of Fanaticism,” T.J. Winter in Joseph E.B. Lumbard, ed., Islam,
Fundamentalism, and the Betrayal of Tradition (Bloomington, IN: World
Wisdom Inc., 2004), 283-295.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY
10 - Al Munqidh min al-Dalal, Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, translated as
Deliverance from Error by R.J. McCarthy (Louisville, KY: Fons Vitae, 2000),
17-35.
11 - Deliverance from Error, 35-42, 51-66.
12 - Deliverance from Error, 66-80.

CANONICAL WORKS
FIRST PRINCIPLES
13 - “Sufism’s Great Books” in Seven Doors to Islam, 184-185.
14 - “On Following the Book and Sunna” in ar-Risala al-Mu’aawana, Imam
‘Abdallah ibn ‘Alawi al-Haddad, translated as The Book of Assistance by
Mostafa Badawi (London: The Quilliam Press, 1989), 36-39.
15 - “On Acquiring Knowledge” in The Book of Assistance, 26-27.

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16 - “Sufism [Tasawwuf]” in ar-Risala al-Qushayriya, Imam Abul-Qasim al-
Qushayri, translated as The Principles of Sufism by Barbara von Schlegell
(Berkeley, CA: Mizan Press, 1990), 301-307.
17 - “Fear of God [Taqwa]” in The Principles of Sufism, 25-31.
18 - “Abstaining [Wara’]” in The Principles of Sufism, 32-39.
19 - “On Scrupulousness [Wara’]” in The Book of Assistance, 77-81.
20 - “Introduction to Purification” in Matharat al-Qulub, Imam Muhammad al-
Mawlud, Purification of the Hearts, translation and commentary by Hamza
Yusuf (Chicago: Starlatch, 2004), 13-21.
21 - “Striving [Mujahada]” in The Principles of Sufism, 12-18.

REFORMING CHARACTER
General Principles
22 - “Moral Character [Khuluq]” in The Principles of Sufism, 240-247.
23 - “An Exposition of the True Nature of Good and Bad Character” in Kitab
Riyadat al-Nafs, Ihya Ulum al-Din, Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, translated as
On Disciplining the Soul, Book XXII of The Revival of the Religious Sciences
by T.J. Winter (Cambridge: The Islamic Texts Society, 1995), 15-30.
24 - “A General Exposition of the Means by which Good Character may be
Acquired,” in On Disciplining the Soul, 31-38.
Desires
25 - “Opposition to the Self [Mukhalafat an-Nafs]” in The Principles of Sufism, 95-
100.
26 - “Hunger and the Abandonment of Passion [Ju’ wa Tark ash-Shahwa]” in The
Principles of Sufism, 79-84.
27 - “An Exposition of the Benefits of Hunger, and the Evils of Satiety” in On
Disciplining the Soul, 117-132.
28 - “An Exposition of the Variance in the Rule and Merit of Hunger” in On
Disciplining the Soul, 154-160.
29 - “An Exposition of the Merit of him who Counters the Desire of the Sex and the
Eye” in On Disciplining the Soul, 183-191.
30 - “Fantasizing” in Purification of the Hearts, 51-52.
31 - “True Love [‘Ishq Haqiqi] and Metaphorical Love [‘Ishq Majazi]” in Ishq Ilahi,
translated as Love for Allah (Chicago: Faqir Publications, 2001), 59-61.
32 - “Shame [Haya’] in The Principles of Sufism, 196-201.
Anger
33 - “Anger [Ghadab]” in Purification of the Hearts, 101-114.

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Greed
34 - “The Root of all Diseases [i.e. covetousness or tama’a] in Purification of the
Hearts, 159-162.
35 - “Miserliness [Bukhl]” in Purification of the Hearts, 22-27.
Envy and Spite
36 - “Hatred [Bughd] in Purification of the Hearts, 30-31.
37 - “Rancor [Ghill] in Purification of the Hearts, 122-123.
38 - “Envy [Hasad]” in Purification of the Hearts, 39-47.
39 - “Envy [Hasad]” in The Principles of Sufism, 101-104.
Pride and Arrogance
40 - “Pride and Heedlessness” in al-Fusul al-‘Ilmiyya wa’l-Usul al-Hikmiyya, Imam
‘Abdallah ibn ‘Alawi al-Haddad, translated as Knowledge and Wisdom by
Mostafa al-Badawi (Chicago: The Starlatch Press, 2001), 9-10.
41 - “Vanity [‘Ujb] in Purification of the Hearts, 97-99.
42 - “Humility [Khushu]” in The Principles of Sufism, 85-94.

LOVE OF THE WORLD

43 - “Love of the World” in Purification of the Hearts, 36-38.
44 - “Love of this World” in Mutual Reminding, Imam ‘Abdallah ibn ‘Alawi al-
Haddad, translated by Mostafa Badawi (Chicago: The Starlatch Press, 2002),
23-35.
45 - Selections on Calculation and Planning for this World from Kitab al-Tanwir fi
Isqat al-Tadbir, Imam Ibn ‘Ata’Allah al-Iskandari, translated by Scott A. Kugle
as The Book of Illumination (Louisville, KY: Fons Vitae, 2005), 158-170.

INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE [MA’RIFA] OF ALLAH

46 - “On the Kinds of the Sciences of Faith” in Nasir al-Din Qunawi, The Easy
Roads of Sayf al-Din, translated by William C. Chittick in Faith and Practice of
Islam, 117-123.
47 - “On the Realities of the First Principle, Faith in God” in Nasir al-Din Qunawi,
The Rising Places of Faith, translated by William C. Chittick in Faith and
Practice of Islam, 39-43.
48 - “On Certainty [Yaqin]” in The Book of Assistance, 7-9.
49 - “Certainty [Yaqin]” in The Principles of Sufism, 140-146
50 - “Gnosis [Ma’rifa bi’llah] in The Principles of Sufism, 316-324.

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51 - Risala fi bayan Ma’rifat Allah, Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali translated as
Treatise on the Intimate Knowledge of God by William Shepard in John Renard,
ed., Windows on the House of Islam (Berkeley: University of California Press,
1998), 355-359.
52 - “The Vision of God, and His Overwhelming Mercy,” in Imam ‘Abdullah ibn
‘Alawi al-Haddad, The Lives of Man, translated by Mostafa al-Badawi (London:
Quilliam Press, 1991), 80-84.

THE NINE STATES [Tawba, Khawf, Raja’, Sabr, Shukr, Zuhd, Tawakkul,
Mahabba, Rida]
53 - Selections on Contentment and Calculation, The Book of Illumination, 73-80.
54 - “On Repentance, Hope, and Fear” in The Book of Assistance, 105-110.
55 - “Repentance [Tawba]” in The Principles of Sufism, 1-11.
56 - “Fear [Khawf]” in The Principles of Sufism, 55-63.
57 - “Hope [Raja’]” in The Principles of Sufism, 64-75.
58 - “On Fortitude” in The Book of Assistance, 111-114.
59 - “Patience [Sabr]” in The Principles of Sufism, 147-156.
60 - “On Gratitude” in The Book of Assistance, 115-116.
61 - “Thankfulness [Shukr]” in The Principles of Sufism, 131-139.
62 - “On Renunciation” in The Book of Assistance, 117-119.
63 - “Renunciation [Zuhd]” in The Principles of Sufism, 40-46.
64 - “On Reliance on God” in The Book of Assistance, 120-122.
65 - “Trust in God [Tawakkul]” in The Principles of Sufism, 114-130.
66 - Kitab al-tawhid wa’l-tawakkul, Ihya Ulum al-Din, Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali,
translated as Faith in Divine Unity and Trust in Divine Providence, Book
XXXV of The Revival of the Religious Sciences by David Burrell (Louisville,
KY: Fons Vitae, 2001), 55-69.
67 - “On Divine Love and Contentment” in The Book of Assistance, 123-127.
68 - “Love [Mahabba]” in The Principles of Sufism, 325-341.
69 - “Satisfaction [Rida]” in The Principles of Sufism, 162-168.

THE WAY OF THE PATH [TARIQAH]

70 - “Sincerity [Ikhlas]” in The Principles of Sufism, 186-189.
71 - “Truth [Sidq]” in The Principles of Sufism, 190-195.
72 - “Desire [Irada]” in The Principles of Sufism, 175-181.

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73 - “Longing [Shawq]” in The Principles of Sufism, 342-348.
74 - “On Vigilance” in The Book of Assistance, 13-14.
75 - “Vigilant Awareness [Muraqaba]” in The Principles of Sufism, 157-161.
76 - “Servitude [‘Ubudiya]” in The Principles of Sufism, 169-174.
77 - “The State of Servanthood” in The Book of Illumination, 116-118.
78 - “Remembrance [Dhikr]” in The Principles of Sufism, 206-213.
79 - “Treatments” in Purification of the Hearts, 162-172.
80 - “Stray Thoughts” and “Recollection” in The Book of Illumination, 134-144.
81 - “Comprehensive Treatment for the Heart” in Purification of the Hearts, 144-
158.
82 - “An Exposition of the Symptoms by which the Diseases of the Heart may be
Recognized” in On Disciplining the Soul, 46-54.
83 - “The Condition of the Lovers of Allah in This World” in Love for Allah, 23-33.
84 - “The Signs of a Sincere Lover” in Love for Allah, 89-94.

PRACTICAL MANUALS [RASAAIL]

85 - “The Second Life: Dunya- the Lower World” in Imam ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Alawi al-
Haddad, The Lives of Man, translated by Mostafa al-Badawi (London: Quilliam
Press, 1991), 15-40.
86 - “Introduction” in The Book of Assistance, 1-6.
87 - “On Intention” in The Book of Assistance, 10-12.
88 - “On the Inner and Outer Self” in The Book of Assistance, 15-16.
89 - “On Regular Devotions” in The Book of Assistance, 17-23.
90 - “On Reciting the Qur’an” in The Book of Assistance, 24-25.
91 - “On Remembrance” in The Book of Assistance, 28-30.
92 - “On Reflection” in The Book of Assistance, 31-35.
93 - “On Religious Obligations” in The Book of Assistance, 43-46.
94 - The Treatise on the Good Manners of the Spiritual Disciple’s Wayfaring in
Imam ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Alawi al-Haddad, Two Treatises, translated by Mostafa al-
Badawi (Chicago: The Starlatch Press, 2002), 47-74.
95 - “The Golden Mean” in Knowledge and Wisdom, 59-62.
96 - Selection on Work and Worship in The Book of Illumination, 177-185.
97 - “Seeking Provision” and “Making Work Beautiful” in The Book of Illumination,
262-267.

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 LETTERS [MAKTUBAAT]
98 - “Keeping in Touch” in Seven Doors to Islam, 194-198.
99 - Ayyuha’l-walad, Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, translated as Letter to a Disciple
by Tobias Mayer (Cambridge, UK: Islamic Texts Society, 2005), 2-60 [even
pages only].
100 -Maktubat-e-Rabbaniyyah, Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi, selections translated by
Muhammad Abdul Haq Ansari, Sufism and Shari’ah (Leicester, UK: The
Islamic Foundation, 1986), 173-178, 181, 198-199, 207.

POETRY [ASH’AAR] AND PARABLES [HIKAYAAT]

101 -“Principal Poetic Forms” in Seven Doors to Islam, 116-117.
102 -Selected poems [ash’aar] from Al-Mathnawi, Imam Jalaluddin al-Rumi,
translated as A Rumi Anthology Volume I - Rumi: Poet and Mystic by Reynold
A. Nicholson (Oxford, UK: Oneworld, 2000), 39, 46, 48, 52-57, 59, 61, 64, 68-
72, 75-76, 90-91, 97, 112-113, 127, 144.
103 -Selected parables [hikayaat] from Al-Mathnawi in A Rumi Anthology Volume II
– Tales of Mystic Meaning, 27-28, 41-46, 58-60, 64-66.

NOTED SAYINGS AND TEACHINGS [MALFUZAAT]

104 -“Borrowed Notes” in Seven Doors to Islam, 188-189.
105 -Malfuzat, selections, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani, translated as Utterances by
Muhtar Holland (Houston, TX: Al-Baz Publishing, 1992), 7-9, 12-14, 18, 20-21,
26, 37, 39, 44-45, 58.
106 -Malfuzat, selections, 63-65, 67, 84-85, 87-89, 92-93, 99, 110, 113-114, 129-130,
133.

ANECDOTES OF WISDOM [HIKAM] &

INTIMATE SUPPLICATIONS [MUNAJAAT]
107 -“Wisdom Literature: Morals for the Masses” in Seven Doors to Islam, 92-95.
108 -Selections from Kitab al-Hikam, Ibn ‘Ata’illah translated as The Book of
Wisdom by Victor Danner (New York: Paulist Press, 1978), handout pages 1-8.
109 -Kitab al-Hikam, selections, handout pages 9-12.
110 -Selections from Munajaat, Ibn ‘Ata’illah translated as Intimate Discourses by
Victor Danner (New York: Paulist Press, 1978), handout pages 13-15.

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 THE HEART [QALB] AND STATES AND STAGES ON THE PATH
111 -“The Wonders of the Heart” in On Disciplining the Soul, 233-243.
112 -Bayan al-Farq, Al-Hakim al-Tirmidhi translated as A Treatise on the Heart by
Nicholas Heer (Louisville, KY: Fons Vitae, 2003), 11-40.
113 -“Shariah and Ma’rifah” in Muhammad Abdul Haq Ansari, Sufism and Shari’ah
(Leicester, UK: The Islamic Foundation, 1986), 71-72.
114 -“Shar’iah and Haqiqah” in Sufism and Shari’ah, 74-81.
115 -Maktubat-e-Rabbaniyyah, selections, 221-222, 228-247.
116 -“Perimeters of Islamic Sufism” in Sufism and Shari’ah, 119-130.

TASAWWUF IN RECENT TIMES

117 -“Ibn Taymiyah and Sufism” in Sufism and Shari’ah, 130-139.
118 -“The ‘Alim as Shaikh” in Barbara Daly Metcalf, Islamic Revival in British India
(Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1982), 157-164.
119 -Maktubat-e-Faqir, selections, translated as Wisdom for the Seeker (Chicago:
Faqir Publications, 2002), Letters Five, Six, Ten, Fifteen, Sixteen, Seventeen,
Eighteen, Nineteen, Twenty-Three, Twenty-Four.

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