What can I say? Sherman Jackson shows himself again to be one of the most important Muslim thinkers today. More than simply rehashing Ibn 'Ata Allah's aphorisms, Jackson's introduction challenges the mainstream stalemate between the proponents and opponents of Sufism. Jackson both complicates and challenges the opponents to Sufism and the definition they attach to it while equally challenging Sufis themselves, who often equate pietistic devotion with any devotional commitment to Islam. And of course, Taj al-'Arus does prove to be an engaging text, which is meant not so much to proselytize on behalf of Sufism as it is to encourage and motivate Muslims of all backgrounds to a God-conscious and God-pleasing life, in this world and The Next.
Author Jackson does an amazing job of straightening out these false notions. I鈥檇 say I actually enjoyed his introduction the most - it鈥檚 quite heavy, especially for someone who hasn鈥檛 read much into the subtle theologies in Islam, but wow, I learned quite a lot.
He gives a short but concise historical narrative on the beginnings of Sufism and the opposition it originally faced, bringing it up to modern day, questioning whether it has any modern relevance in the face of a socio-cultural scene so greatly different from the time of the original Sufi masters. There is also some discussion concerning Islamic- Christian/Jewish relations, so it talks briefly about Western actions and prejudices against the Muslim population [starting from around the 18th century I think]. The author, as well as challenging opponents of Sufism, also challenges Sufi followers who often equate Sufism to nothing more than pietistic devotion 鈥渋n order to mask the various mystical, theological, and practical shenanigans that some Sufis have been known to practice and endorse鈥�.
The author translates 鈥淭he Bridegroom鈥檚 Crown鈥� (Taj al-'Arus), a work of religious aphorisms, by Ibn 鈥楢ta鈥� Allah al-Sakandari, a renowned Sufi master. The text is highly engaging, beautiful and poetic, a multitude of aphorisms and parables, all conveying the message to encourage a more God-conscious life. The text begins stating the importance of repentance, being mindful of personal 鈥榖arely perceptible desires鈥� and knowing that a relationship with God is organic, that it will constantly develop and be refined throughout life.
In the build-up to Ramadan I鈥檓 very happy I read this book! A short excerpt from the introduction that rounds up the message:
鈥淵et, flawed human beings, sincerely struggling - sometimes successfully, sometimes not - is the very essence of Islam. It is the quality of this remembrance, the persistence of this struggle that constitutes the core of Muslim religiosity.鈥�
Full of jewels, definitely one of those books you should read multiple times. Because of the nature of the aphorisms, it was a little hard to pick up from where I left off, but after a page or two, it becomes harder to put down.
The intro section by Dr. Jackson is also a nice bonus.
I didn't finish this book but not because it was bad. Sherman Jackson's intro is great and gives the reader so much to think about when it comes to spirituality. Ibn 'Ata'Allah words, although written so long ago, feel so applicable, even today. I guess the reason why I couldn't finish it was because it was just a little heavy. It wasn't hard to read but the subject matter can be weighty. I do want to finish this book someday. So I still give it five stars despite not finishing it.
If it was just the translation of the text, I would give it a 5+. This is a classic of Islamic and spiritual literature and among the best ever penned by mankind.
The introduction is, however, overly academic without being necessarily insightful in its academic register, and I fear that it will actually be a barrier for many who wish to read the text of Ibn Ata Illah itself. I would advise most to just read the actual text and commentary itself. I am not saying Dr. Jackson is not insightful or deep in his scholarship. His masterful translation and commentary show that he is both. It is just that the introduction is mostly not from the Sufi tradition itself and references Western academics and Orientalists more than traditional Sufis, and there are other issues as well.
The text of Ibn Ata Illah itself challenges the reader to their core to purify oneself of anything but completely sincerity to God. It is priceless as a work, and Dr. Jackson has to be thanked and appreciated for his hard work, scholarship, and contribution to Islamic literature in English.