The Inner Meanings of Worship in Islam

IN THIS COLLECTION of teachings on the inner meanings of worship in Islam, Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri brings together the most profound guidance for those who journey along this path -- from the Qur'an, the Prophet's traditions, narrations from the Ahl al-Bayt, and seminal works from the Ahl al-Tasawwuf of all schools. The essential elements of belief and practice are presented according to three levels of Shari'ah (the revealed law), tariqah (the path of discipline) and haqiqah (the transcendent truth), following the timeless habit of the Prophet (S) of combining the outer practice with the inner meaning. The Inner Meanings of Worship in Islam will inspire the serious seeker of enlightenment to progress along the path, to purify themselves, their intentions, and their expectations at all stages of the journey. Ultimately all aspects and practices of the Shari'ah impact upon the process of grooming and refining the character of the practitioner. By sharing these most transformative teachings from the world of Islam, the author hopes to make available the spiritual nourishment that has sustained and propelled him personally in his own quest for sublime knowledge and true freedom. ABOUT SHAYKH FADHLALLA HAERI Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri was born in Karbala, Iraq, a descendant of several generations of well-known and revered spiritual leaders. Educated in Europe and America, he founded a number of companies in the Middle East and worked as a consultant in the oil industry. He travelled extensively on a spiritual quest which led to his eventual rediscovery of the pure and original Islamic heritage of his birth. In 1980 he established the Zahra Trust, a charitable organization with centers in the USA, Britain and the Middle East, which makes traditional Islamic teachings more widely available through courses and publications, promotes the revival of traditional systems of healing and supports a variety of charitable programs. Shaykh Fadhlalla is currently engaged in lecturing and writing books and commentaries on the Holy Qur’an and related subjects, with particular emphasis on ethics, self-development and gnosis ('irfan). In 2004, he established the Academy of Self Knowledge, , which offers teachings on self knowledge and the Prophetic revealed path.