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Shams al-Ma'arif - The Most Dangerous Book in the World?

Let's Talk Religion・29 minutes read

The Islamic occult Sciences series explores talismanic Magic and astrology in the early Islamic world, focusing on Ahmed al-buni's work, "The Shamsalm Arif." Al-buni's writings delve into the science of letters, Jinn, angels, and constructing talismans, with his famous book being a compilation that spans centuries of additions and interpretations.

Insights

  • Ahmed al-buni, a 13th-century Sufi teacher from North Africa, is known for his writings on Sufism and occult sciences, with his most famous work being "The Shamsalm Arif," which focuses on creating talismans, magical practices, and the science of letters.
  • "The Shamsalm Arif," a compilation from the 17th century based on al-buni's original work, explores a complex cosmology connecting Arabic letters, planetary spheres, and numbers in constructing talismans, emphasizing the powers of Divine names and religious themes while cautioning against summoning evil forces, showcasing a comprehensive guide to Islamic-rooted occult sciences.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of "The Shamsalm Arif" in the Islamic world?

    "The Shamsalm Arif" is a famous occult book attributed to Ahmed al-buni, a 13th-century figure known for his writings on Sufism and occult sciences. The book covers topics like talismanic Magic, astrology, and the science of letters, connecting Arabic letters to metaphysical principles. It discusses Jinn, angels, and practical instructions on constructing cryptograms for magical purposes. Despite some critics equating al-buni's work with magic, his writings were popular among religious scholars, political leaders, and mystics. The modern version of the book, believed to be a compilation from the 17th century, incorporates al-buni's original work alongside later additions, remaining within a speculative Sufi framework.

  • How did Ahmed al-buni contribute to Islamic occult sciences?

    Ahmed al-buni, primarily known as a Sufi teacher, lived in North Africa, particularly Egypt, and was associated with speculative Sufi culture. His writings, collectively known as the Corpus bonionum, cover Sufism and occult aspects, including the science of letters and magical practices. Recent scholarship suggests that only five works attributed to al-buni can be considered authentic, with "The Shamsalm Arif" being the most famous. Al-buni's focus on the science of letters, creating talismans, and discussing Jinn and angels contributed significantly to Islamic occult sciences.

  • What are some key themes in "The Shamsalm Arif" by Ahmed al-buni?

    "The Shamsalm Arif" delves into a complex cosmology where everything is interconnected, emphasizing the powers of Arabic letters, planetary spheres, and the zodiac signs. Numbers play a significant role, especially in constructing talismans using Gematria. The book discusses the powers of Divine names, with recitations or writings having different effects. It highlights religious themes, focusing on God, Quran, and Divine names with esoteric interpretations and practices. The text also covers summoning good Jinn, cautioning against carelessness to avoid evil forces, and details topics like the Ring of Solomon and Moses's staff.

  • How has "The Shamsalm Arif" influenced modern occult practices?

    "The Shamsalm Arif" has influenced modern occult practices by providing insights into creating talismans, invoking planetary powers, and utilizing Divine names for various effects. The book's emphasis on religious themes, esoteric interpretations, and summoning good Jinn has resonated with practitioners seeking spiritual development. Its detailed instructions on constructing magical cryptograms and utilizing the powers of Arabic letters have become foundational aspects of modern occult practices rooted in Islamic concepts.

  • What controversies surround "The Shamsalm Arif" in the Islamic world?

    "The Shamsalm Arif" has sparked significant controversy in the Islamic world, with some viewing it as a cursed book promoting black magic and devil worship, while others see it as a tool for spiritual development and esoteric Sufi ideas. The book's association with occult practices and its detailed instructions on magical rituals have polarized opinions among Muslim scholars. The first English translation of a substantial portion of the text has shed light on its historical significance, prompting discussions about its place within the religion and its impact on shaping our understanding of history, religion, and the occult.

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Summary

00:00

Islamic Occult Sciences: Al-Buni's Magical Legacy

  • The Islamic occult Sciences series delves into various topics like talismanic Magic and astrology in the early Islamic world.
  • The most famous occult book in the Arab and Islamic world is "The Shamsalm Arif," attributed to Ahmed al-buni, a 13th-century figure.
  • Ahmed al-buni, primarily known as a Sufi teacher, lived in North Africa, particularly Egypt, and was associated with speculative Sufi culture.
  • Al-buni's writings, collectively known as the Corpus bonionum, cover Sufism and occult aspects, including the science of letters and magical practices.
  • Recent scholarship suggests that only five works attributed to al-buni can be considered authentic, including the famous "The Shamsalm Arif."
  • The modern version of "The Shamsalm Arif" that is widely known today first appeared in the 17th century and is a compilation based on al-buni's writings and later additions.
  • Al-buni's writings focus on the science of letters, connecting Arabic letters to metaphysical principles and practical uses in creating talismans and amulets.
  • The book also discusses Jinn, angels, and practical instructions on constructing cryptograms using letters and numbers for magical purposes.
  • Al-buni's writings were popular among various groups, including religious scholars, political leaders, and mystics, despite some critics equating his work with magic.
  • The modern "The Shamsalm Arif" is believed to be a compilation from the early 17th century, incorporating al-buni's original work alongside later additions from the boonian tradition.

16:30

"The Shams El Cobra: Islamic Occult Grimoire"

  • The Shams El Cobra is a compilation of various writings, with a core aspect potentially traceable to Ahmed al-buni, but mostly interpolations from later writers.
  • It is a large text featuring chapters on occult sciences, often referred to as a grimoire, remaining within a speculative Sufi framework.
  • The book delves into a complex cosmology where everything is interconnected, including the powers of Arabic letters, planetary spheres, and the zodiac signs.
  • Numbers are significant, especially in constructing talismans using Gematria, where each letter corresponds to a specific number.
  • Talismans can be created using magic squares associated with planetary spheres, invoking the power of Jupiter or Saturn, with specific instructions for each.
  • The book discusses the powers of Divine names, with recitations or writings having different effects, including a secret greatest name of God known only to prophets.
  • The phrase "Bismillah" is highlighted for its potency, with examples of its use for protection, fruitful crops, and other benefits.
  • The text emphasizes religious themes, focusing on God, Quran, and Divine names, all interconnected with esoteric interpretations and practices.
  • Summoning good Jinn is detailed, cautioning against carelessness to avoid accidentally calling upon evil forces, emphasizing protection through God's power.
  • The book covers topics like the Ring of Solomon, Moses's staff, and various miraculous powers, making it a comprehensive guide to occult sciences rooted in Islamic concepts.

32:17

Controversial occult books in 20th century Egypt.

  • Grimoires and books of magic written by controversial occultists in Egypt in the 20th century, particularly the Shams al-Ma'arif, have sparked significant controversy in the Islamic world, with some viewing it as a cursed book promoting black magic and devil worship, while others see it as a tool for spiritual development and esoteric Sufi ideas, emphasizing the need for proper guidance in its study.
  • The first English translation of a substantial portion of the Shams al-Ma'arif by Amina Inlos and JM Hamadi has garnered attention, shedding light on the historical significance of occult sciences in the Islamic world and prompting discussions among Muslim scholars about its place within the religion, highlighting the book's role in shaping our understanding of history, religion, and the occult.
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