Writer/Composer: Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse
Translated by: Professor Zachary Wright
Transliterated & Re-Arranged by: Isma‘eel Bakare
Introduction: The Text
Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse’s.. first work was a poem summarizing proper comportment on the Sufi path, “The Spirit of Etiquette” (Ruh al-Adab), written at the age of twenty.
This text became fundamental for basic Sufi instruction in the Shaykh’s community.
Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse wrote the Ruh al-Adab in 1920 when his father was still alive, at the young age of twenty in Leone, in the Kaolack region of Senegal. The text demonstrates not simply his early mastery of classical Arabic but also his ability to speak authoritatively about the essence of Spiritual Wayfaring (Suluk) within Sufism. In many ways, the text is thus a testament to the educational system established by his father, Al-Hajj ‘Abdullah (d. 1922), and the integration of Sufism within a rigorous curriculum of Islamic learning. The later following of Shaykh Ibrahim made frequent use of the text, and many instructors used it to prepare students before giving them the Direct Experiential Knowledge (Ma‘rifa) of God through initiation (tarbiya).⁴
The Available Translations and Editions
This is the third English translation of the Ruh al-adab. It remains indebted to Shaykh Hasan Cissé’s first translation and explanation, completed orally in the 1990s.
Several American students recorded these lessons and later edited them in book form, published in Detroit by ‘Abd al-Hakim Halim in 1998 (second edition 2001), entitled The Spirit of Good Morals. Talut Dawud completed a second translation, unknown to me, around the same time that I was independently working on this one. When studying the text with Shaykh Hasan Cissé on various visits to Senegal between 1999 and 2003, I obtained permission from the shaykh to rework the translation; “Make it nice [in English],” he said.
My long delay in completing the task is partially explained by the fact that his translation was already quite good, and the observation that the transcription and editing work of ‘Abd al-Hakim Halim (no easy task to complete from cassette recordings) was difficult to replicate. Dawud’s work has also done much to streamline the inescapable awkwardness of a non-native English speaker’s rendering of Arabic poetry into English prose.
That said, Shaykh Hasan’s original translation has a certain timeless quality, an ability to speak directly to the reader as if he were present in the shaykh’s own learning circle. Dawud’s translation, and my own, remain influenced by Shaykh Hasan’s original in rhythm, tone, and meaning. I am not offering my own translation to supersede these important earlier works, but only as an alternative to be read in dialogue with others for a fuller understanding of Shaykh Ibrahim’s original Arabic poem.
1. يَقُولُ إِبْرَاهِيمُ نَجْلُ الْـحَاجِ ** عَبْدِ الإِلَــٰـهِ بَدْرِنَا الْوَهَّاجِ
1. Yaqūlu Ibrāhimu najlu-l Hājji ** ‘Abdi-l Ilāhi badrinā-l wahhāji
1. Says Ibrahim, the son of al-Hajj..
..‘Abdullah our glowing moon
2. مِنْ بَعْدِ بِاسْمِ اللهِ ثُمَّ الْـحَمْدِ ** لِلّٰهِ ذِي الطَّوْلِ الْعَظِيمِ المَجْدِ
2. Min ba‘adi bis'mi-llahi thumma-l hamdi ** li-llahi dhī-t tawli-l ‘Azeemi-l Majdi
2. Having started with the name of God and praise,
To God, owner of all might, greatness, and glorification
3. نَصِيحَةٌ مِنِّي إِلَى إِخْوَانِي ** فَلْتُمْسِكُواْ طَرِيقَةَ التِّجَانِي
3. Nasīhatun minnī ilā ikhwānī ** fal-tumsikū Tarīqata-t Tijānī
3. An advice from me to my brothers:
Adhere to the [Sufi] path of the Tijaniyya.
4. طَرِيقَ مَحْضِ الْفَضْلِ وَالرِّضْوَانِ ** أُسِّسَ بِالسُّنَّةِ وَالْفُرْقَانِ
4. Tarīqa mah’di-l fadli wa-r ridwāni ** ussisa bi-s sunnati wa-l furqāni.
4. The way of pure grace and [divine] satisfaction,
Established on the Prophet’s example (sunna) and the Qur’an
5. وَلَازِمُواْ لَازِمَ ذِي الطَّرِيقِ ** بِذَا يُنَالُ الرِّبْحُ بِالتَّحْقِيقِ
5. wa lāzimū lāzima dhī-t tarīqi ** bi-dhā yunālu-r rib’hu bi-t tah’qīqi
5. Persist in the regular litany of this path
By this success is obtained with all certainty (tahqiq)
6. فَلَسْتَ فِي أَخْذِ الطَّرِيقِ تَرْبَحُ ** إِلَا إِذَا كُنْتَ دَوَامًا تَصْلُحُ
6. fa-lasta fī akhzi-t tarīqi tar’bahu ** ilā idhā kunta dawāman tasluhu
6. You will not profit in taking this path
Except that you continuously seek righteousness.
7. مُكَمِّلًا شُرُوطَهُ الْـمُقَرَّرَهْ ** مُكَابِدًا آدَابَهُ الْـمُعْتَبَرَهْ
7. mukammilān shurūtahu-l muqarrarah ** mukābidān ādābahu-l mu‘utabarah
7. Perfecting its prescribed conditions
Exemplifying its honored conduct (adab)
8. مُعَظِّمًا لِأَهْلِهِ جَمِيعَا ** لَا سِيَّمَا الْـخَاصَّةُ كُنْ مُطِيعَا
8. mu‘azimān li-ah’lihi jamī‘ā ** lā siyyamā-l khāṣṣatu kun mutī-‘ā
8. Exalting all its people
Particularly the special ones: to them, be obedient
9. إِذَا شَرَعْتَ فِي ادِّكَارِ الْوِرْدِ ** فَلَازِمِ الْأَدَبَ قَدْرَ الْـحَدِّ
9. Idhā shara‘ata fī-dikāri l-wir’di ** fa-lāzimi l-adaba qadra-l haddi
9. When you begin the litany’s remembrance (wird)
Oblige yourself with discipline (adab) as much as possible
10. تَأَدَّبْ فِي ظَاهِرٍ وَبَاطِنِ ** بِهِ يُرَقَّى الْـمَرْءُ لِلْمَوَاطِنِ
10. Ta-addab fī zāhirin wa bātinin ** bihi yuraqqā-l mar’u lil-mawātini
10. Refine yourself outwardly and inwardly
With refinement does a man ascend to high stations
11. وَاسْتَحْضـِرَنَّ شَيْخَكَ الْـمُرَبِّي ** كَذَاكَ شَيْخَهُ بِدُونِ رَيْبِ
11. wastah’diranna shaykhaka-l murabbī ** ka-dhaaka shaykhahu bi-dūni raybi
11. Invoke the presence of the shaykh who trained you
And likewise his shaykh without doubt
12. وَلَازِمُواْ الْـحُضُورَ وَالسُّكُونَا ** كَذَاكَ خَلْوَةً تُعِينُ حِينَا
12. wa lāzimū-l hudūra wa-s sukūnā ** kadhāka khalwatan wa tu‘eenu heenā
12. Maintain concentration and stillness
Also, seclusion helps in drawing near [to God].
13. وَاطْلُبْ مُرَبِّيًا خَبِيرًا نَاصِحَا ** كَامِلَ عِرْفَانٍ إِمَامًا صَالِحَا
13. Wa'tlub murabbiyān khabeerān nāsihā ** kāmila ‘irfānin imāmān sālihā
13. Seek for a spiritual trainer (murabbi), well informed, of sound advice
Complete in gnosis, a righteous imam
14. مَلِّكْهُ نَفْسَكَ فَلَا تُدَبِّرْ ** وَكُنْ كَمَيِّتٍ دَوَامًا تُخْبِرْ
14. malik’hu nafsaka falā tudabbir ** wa kun ka-mayyitin dawāmān tukhbir
14. Turn yourself over to him, and do not contrive schemes on your own
Be always like a dead person [bathed by the mortician], and you will be informed
15. وَلَا تُخَالِفْهُ وَلَوْ بَانَ فَسَا ** دُ رَأْيِهِ فَكُنْ دَوَامًا ذَا ائْتِسَا
15. walā tukhālif’hu wa lau bāna fasā.. ** ..du ra-ayihi fakun dawāmān dhā’tisā
15. Do not oppose him, even if there seems a contradiction
Be always a follower.
16. فَخَطَأٌ لِلشَّيْخِ أَقْوَمُ وَأَلْـ ** يَقُ مِنَ الْـمُرِيدِ عِنْدَ مَنْ عَقَلْ
16. Fakhata'un li-sh shaykhi aqwamu wa al.. ** ..yaku mina-l murīdi ‘inda man ‘aqal
16. For the shaykh’s mistake is more upright and appropriate,
Than the (opinion of the) aspirant (murid), according to the people of sound reason⁷
17. لَا تَلْتَفِتْ لِغَيْرِهِ فِي الْعَالَمِ ** وَكُنْ كَمَا لَوْ كَانَ دُونَ عَالَمِ
17. Lā tal'tafit li-gayrihi fī-l ‘ālami ** Wakun kamā lau kāna dūna ‘ālami
17. Do not turn to other than him in the universe,
And be as if there was no universe
18. فَلَيْسَ لِلْـمُرِيدِ غَيْرُ ذَا الْوَلِي ** مَعَ الرَّسُولِ ثُمَّ مَوْلَاهُ الْعَلِي
18. fa-laysa lil-mureedi gayru dhā-l Walī ** ma‘a-rasūli thumma mawlāhu-l ‘alii
18. For there is nothing for the aspirant other than this saint [al-Tijani],
Along with the Prophet, and surely his Lord the Most High.
19. مَا دَامَ غَيْرُهُمْ بِقَلْبٍ لَا يُنَالْ ** مَعْرِفَةُ الْـمَوْلَى أَقُولُ بِارْتِجَالْ
19. Mā dāma gayruhum bi-qalbin lā yunāl ** Ma'arifatu-l Mawlā aqūlu bi-rtijāl
19. As long as there is other than this in his heart, he will not attain
The knowledge (ma‘rifa) of the Patron Lord, this I say with all certainty.
20. وَكُنْ مَعَ الشَّيْخِ دَوَامًا تَرْبَحُ ** وَكُنْ مُحِبًّا وَامِقًا فَتُفْلِحُ
20. Wakun ma‘a-sh shaykhi dawāmān tarbahu ** Wa-kun muhibbān waamiqan fatuflihu
20. Be at all times with the Shaykh to gain,
Be tenderly in love to prosper
21. بِقَدْرِ مَا تُحِبُّهُ تَنَالُ ** إِمْدَادَهُ فَالْقَوْمُ هَذَا قَالُواْ
21. Bi-qadri mā tuhibbuhu tanālu ** imdādahu fal-qawmu ādhā qālū
21. In proportion to your love for him, will be received
His spiritual assistance (amdad): this the [Sufi] people have said
22. أَنْفِقْ طَرِيفًا تَالِدًا فِي طَلَبِ ** رِضَاهُ بَادِرْ إِنْ أَشَارَ تُصِبِ
22. Anfiq tareefān tālidān fī talabi ** ridāhu bādir in-ashāra tuṣibi
22. Spend of your acquired and inherited wealth in seeking his satisfaction
And respond promptly to his direction, then you will hold true
23. وَأَرْضِ شَيْخَكَ وَلَوْ أَبْكَاكَا ** لَكِنَّهُ لِلْخَيْرِ قَدْ هَدَاكَا
23. wa-ardi shaykhaka walau abkākā ** lakinnahu lil-khayri qad hadākā
23. And satisfy your shaykh, even if weeping
For surely he guides you to good
24. وَاحْرِصْ عَلَى الْأَوْقَاتِ أَيَّ حِرْصِ ** وَاحْذَرْ مِنَ انْ تُبْلَى بَلَاءَ نَقْصِ
24. wa'hris ‘alā-l awqāti ayya hirsi ** wa'h-dhar mina-n tublā balā'a naqsi
24. Be urgently covetous of your time
Be warned you will be tested with the affliction of loss (naqs)
25. إِذَا رَأَيْتَ مَظْهَرَ الْـجَمَالِ ** لَا تَطْغَ وَارْضَ مَظْهَرَ الْـجَلَالِ
25. Idhā ra'ayta maz'hara-l jamāli ** lā tatga war’da maz'hara-l jalāli
25. When you see the manifestation of divine beauty (al-jamal)
Do not overstep the bounds: be content with the manifestation of transcendent majesty (al-jalal)
26. فَكُلُّ ذَا أَمْرُ الإِلَــٰـهِ يُسْدَى ** قَدْ جَلَّ أَنْ يُعْتَبَ فِيمَا أَسْدَى
26 Fakullu dhā amru-l-Ilāhi yusdā ** qad jalla an yu‘utaba fīmā asdā
26. For all of this is by the rendering of divine decree
Exalted is He to be blamed for what He does⁹
27. لَا تَتَأَلَّـمَنْ إِذَا رَأَيْتَا ** إِذَايَةَ الْـخَلْقِ لِذَا خُلِقْتَا
27 Lā tata-allaman idhā ra'aytā ** idhāyata-l khalqi li-dhā khuliqtā
27. Do not be anguished when you witness
Harm from the created things, you were created for this [test]
28. أَجْرَى الْأَذَى مِنْهُمْ لِئَلَّا تَرْكَنَا ** إِلَيْهِمُ بَلْ لِلْإِلَــٰهِ فَارْكَنَا
28 Ajrā-l adhā min-hum li-alā tar’kanā ** Ilay'himu bal lil-Illāhi far’kanā
28. Hurt flows from them so that you do not rely on them
Rather on God is your reliance
29. وَإِنْ بُلِيتَ بِاشْتِدَادٍ وَشُرُورْ ** فَاصْبِرْ سَيَاتِيْكَ انْفِرَاجٌ وَسُرُورْ
29 Wa-in bulīta bi-shtidādin wa shurūr ** Fasbir sayātiika n'firājun wa surūr
29. When tested with difficulties and afflictions
Be patient: surely felicity and relief will come to you.
30. فَكُلُّ لَيْلٍ بَعْدَهُ نَهَارُ ** وَكُلُّ عُـسْرٍ بَعْدَهُ يَسَارُ
30 Fakullu laylin ba‘adahu nahāru ** wa kullu ‘usrin ba‘adahu yasāru
30. For after every night there is day
And after every hardship there is ease
31. بَلْ كُلُّ عُـسْرٍ بَعْدَهُ يُـسْرَانِ ** كَمَا أَتَى عَنْ أَحْمَدَ الْعَدْنَانِ
31 Bal kullu ‘usrin ba‘adahu yus'rāni ** Kamā atā ‘an Ahmad al-‘adnāni
31. Indeed, after every hardship there is double ease
As related from Ahmad al-‘Adnan (the Prophet Muhammad)¹⁰¹
32. إِذَا عَلِمْتَ ذَا تَكُونُ رَاضِيَا ** حُكْمَ الإِلَــٰـهِ كُلُّ وَقْتٍ بَاقِيَا
32 Idhā ‘alimta dhā takūnu rādiyā ** Hukma-l Ilāhi kullu waqtin bāqiyā
32. If you know that, you will be pleased:
In every time, God’s decree (hukm) remains
33. إِذَا طَلَبْتَ مَطْلَبًا عَدِمْتَهُ ** فَضَيْرَهُ يَدْرِي وَمَا دَرَيْتَهُ
33. Idhā talabta matlaban ‘adimtahu ** Fadayrahu yadrī wa mā daraytahu
33. If you ask something and are left without
He knows the harm in it, but you do not
34. يَدْفَعُ مَا يَضُـرُّ لُطْفًا مِنْهُ لَا ** تَتَّهِمَنْ إِلَــٰـهَنَا فَتَخْذُلَا
34. Yadfa‘u mā yadurru lutfān min’hu lā ** Tattahiman Ilāhanā fatakh’dhulā
34. From His grace (lutf), he deters what is harmful
So level not accusations against our Lord, or you will be forsaken
35. لَوْ يَعْلَمُ الْإِنْسَانُ مَا الرَّحْمَنُ ** يَلْقَى الشـُّرُورَ ضَاحِكًا إِنْسَانُ
35. Lau ya‘alamu-l insānu mā-r-Rahmānu ** Yal'qā-sh shurūra dāhikān insānu
35. Were mankind to know the (mercy of the) Merciful
He would meet afflictions a smiling man
36. لَا تَطْلُبِ الْعِزَّ لَدَى الْـخَلْقِ بِلَا ** تَعَزُّزٍ عِنْدَ الْـمَلِيكِ لَا وَلَا
36. Lā tat'lubi-l ‘izza ladā-l khalqi bilā ** ta‘azuzin ‘inda-l Malīki lā wa-lā
36. Do not seek power (‘izz) among the creation
Without being empowered by the Sovereign, not ever.
37. لَا تَفْرَحَنْ بِأَنْعُمٍ أُنْعِمْتَا ** وَافْرَحْ بِمَنْ أَنْعَمَ إِنْ عَقِلْتَا
37. Lā tafrahan bi an-‘umin un-‘imtā ** Wafra’h bi-man an-‘ama in ‘aqaltā
37. Do not exalt in the favors you are given
Rather exalt in Him who gives, if you are of sound reason
38. فَكُلُّ نِعْمَةٍ تَزُولُ دُونَ مَنْ ** أَسْدَى فَذَاكَ الْبَاقِ فِي كُلِّ زَمَنْ
38. Fakullu ni‘imatin tazūlu dūna man ** Asdā fadhāka-l bāqi fī kulli zaman
38. Every favor will perish, except Him who confers favor
For He is that which remains, for all time
39. لَا تَحْقِرَنَّ مُسْلِمًا لَا تَذْكُرَا ** عَيْبَ امْرِئٍ وَالْعَيْبُ مِنْكَ قَدْ يُرَى
39. Lā tah’qiranna muslimān lā tadh’kuraa ** Ayba m'rihin wa-l ‘aybu minka qad yurā
39. Do not despise any Muslim, and mention not
The faults of any man, lest your own faults be exposed
40. فَرُبَّ ذِي طِمْرَيْنِ أَغْبَرَ وَلَوْ ** أَقْسَمَ بِالْـمَوْلَى أَبَرَّ قَدْ رَوَوْاْ
40. Farubba dhī tamrayni ag’bara walaw ** Aqsama bil-mawlā abarra qad rawaw
40. Perhaps one in old tattered garments, covered in dust:
The Lord would fulfill his invocation, as has been narrated¹¹
41. لَا تَـضُرَّنَّ مُسْلِمًا وَلَوْ ظَهَر ** ضُرٌّ عَلَى يَدَيْهِ دَأْبًا فَاغْتَفِرْ
41. La tadurranna muslimān walaw zahar ** Durrun ‘alaa yadaihi da’abān fa'gtafir
41. Do not harm a Muslim, even if harm is wrought
Persistently by his hand, rather be forgiving
42. فَإِنَّ ذَا الْـخَلْقَ عِبَادُ اللهِ ** فَلَا تَـضُرْ أَخِي عِبَادَ اللهِ
42. Fa-inna dhā-l khal'qa ‘ibādu-llahi ** Falā tadur akhī ‘ibāda-llahi
42. My brother, harm not the servants of God
And all in this creation are but the servants of God
43. وَلَسْتَ تَرْضَى مَنْ يَـضُرُّ عَبْدَكَا ** وَإِنْ أَسَا فَاتَّقِيَنَّ رَبَّكَا
43 Walasta tar’dā man yadurru ‘abdakā ** Wa-in asā faa-ttaqiyanna rabbakā
43. You would not be pleased with him who mistreats your [own] servant
Even if he does wrong: fear then your Lord.
44. وَلَازِمِ الْـحُزْنَ وَذِكْرَ الْـمَوْتِ ** لَا تَنْسَهُ كَذَا سُؤَالَ الْـمَيْتِ
44. Wa lāzimi-l huzna wa dhikra-l mawti ** Lā tansahu kadhā su'āla-l mayti
44. Persist in sadness and the thought of death,
Nor forget the questioning of the dead [in the grave]
45. لَا بُدَّ أَنْ تُقَدِّمَ التَّعَلُّمَا ** فَكُنْ لِـشِرْعَةِ الْإِلَــٰـهِ مُحْكِمَا
45 Lā budda an tuqaddima-t ta‘allamā ** Fakun li-shir‘ati l-Ilāhi muh’kamā
45. You must precede [all actions] with learning
Be able to distinguish the divine law
46. فَالْعِلْمُ عُمْرِي هُوَ إِمَامُ الْعَمَلِ ** كَمَا أَتَى عَنْ طَهَ خَيْرِ الرُّسُلِ
46 Fa-l ‘ilmu ‘umrī huwa imāmu-l ‘amali ** Kamā atā ‘an taha khayri-r rusuli
46. By my life, knowledge is the leader of all action
As transmitted from Taha, the best of Prophets
47. حَصِّلْ عُلُومًا أَرْبَعًا ذَا السَّالِكْ ** أَوَّلُـهَا عِرْفَانُ رَبٍّ مَالِكْ
47. hassil ‘ulūmān arba-‘ān dhā-s sālik ** Awwaluhā ‘irfānu Rabbin mālik
47. O Seeker: obtain four types of knowledge
First being knowledge (‘irfan) of the Lord Possessor
48. وَالثَّانِ أَنْ تَعْرِفَ مَا يُعَلَّقُ ** عَلَى الْعِبَادَاتِ فَذَا تَحَقُّقُ
48. wa-th thāni an ta'arifa mā yu‘allaqu ** ‘alā-l ‘ibādāti fadha tahaqququ
48. Second is to know what is involved
In the worship [of God], by this you will actualize [knowledge]¹²
49. ثَالِثُهَا عِرْفَانُ حَالِ النَّفْسِ ** مِنْ غَدْرِهَا وَكَيْدِهَا وَالدَّسِّ
49. Thālithuhā ‘irfānu hāli-n nafsī ** min gadrihā wa kaydihā wa-d daasi
49. Third is to know the condition of the [lower] soul (nafs):
Its treachery, intrigue, and manipulation
50. لِلنَّفْسِ عَيْبٌ لِلْفُؤَادِ عَيْبُ ** لِلرُّوحِ عَيْبٌ لَيْسَ فِيهِ رَيْبُ
50. Li-n nafsi ‘aybun lil-fu'ādi ‘aybu ** Li-r rūhi ‘aybun laysa feehi raybu
50. The soul has its fault, as does the heart
And the spirit (ruh), this without doubt¹³
51. فَالْأَدَبَ الْأَدَبَ يَا ذَا السَّالِكْ ** فَإِنَّهُ الْبَابُ لِكُلِّ سَالِكْ
51. Fa-l adaba-l adaba yā dhā-s sālik ** Fa-innahu l-bābu li-kulli sālik
51. And [fourth], O seeker, is surely good conduct (adab)
For it is the door for every seeker
52. وَلْتَكُ خَاشِعًا أَخَا تَوَاضُعِ ** فَلَسْتَ بِالْوَضِيعِ فِي التَّخَاضُعِ
52. Waltaku khāshi‘ān akhā tawādu‘i ** Fa-lasta bi-l wadee‘i fī-t takhādu‘i
52. Be God-fearing, a brother of humility
You will not in humility be humiliated
53. فَالْعِلْمُ وَالْغِنَى وَخِصْبٌ قَدْ أَتَتْ ** وَحَرَكَاتُ الْـخَفْضِ فِيهِنَّ رَسَتْ
53. Fa-l ‘ilmu wa-l ginā wa khisbun qad atat ** Wa harakātu-l khafdi feehinna rasat
53. Knowledge (‘ilm), wealth (ghina), fertility (khisb) [are words that] came
With low vowels established in them
54. وَالْـجَهْلُ وَالْفَقْرُ وَجَدْبٌ قَدْ أَتَتْ ** وَحَرَكَاتُ الرَّفْعِ فِيهِنَّ رَسَتْ
54. Wa-l jahlu wa-l faqru wa jadbun qad atat ** Wa harakātu-r raf-‘i feehinna rasat
54. While ignorance (jahl), poverty (faqr), and sterility (jadb) came
With high vowels established in them.¹⁴
55. فَذِي إِشَارَةٌ إِذَا عَقَلْتَا **رَائِقَةٌ فَلْتَدْرِ مَا أُلْهِمْتَا
55. Fadhī ishāratun idhā ‘aqaltā ** Ralā’iqatun faltadri mā ul’himtā
55. These are signs if you reason
Recognize the inspiration
56. لَا يَسْكُنُ السَّيْلُ عَلَى الأَجْبَالِ ** وَلَا عَلَى الأَشْجَارِ فِي تَهْمَالِ
56. Lā yaskunu-s saylu ‘alā-l ajbāli ** Walā ‘alā-l ash’jāri fii tah'māli
56. The flood does not settle on the mountains
Nor on trees, disregarding (their heights)
57. لَا تَرْضَ عَنْ نَفْسِكَ لَا تَرْجُ وَلَا ** تَخْشَ سِوَى الْـمَوْلَى سِوَاهُ أَهْمِلَا
57. Lā tar’da ‘an nafsika lā tarju walā ** Takh’sha siwā-l mawlā siwāhu uhmilā
57. Do not be satisfied with yourself; nor ask
Nor fear other than the Lord: disregard everything except Him
58. لَا تَتَكَبَّرْ يَا أَخِي لَا تَحْسُدَا ** ولَا تُرَاءِ بَلْ إِلَــٰـهَكَ اقْصِدَا
58. Lā tatakabbar yā akhī lā tah’sudā ** Walā turā’i bal Ilāhaka iq'sidā
58. Be not arrogant, my brother, nor jealous
And be not ostentatious; rather to your God straightaway proceed
59. وَالْكِبْرُ إِمَّا بِعُلُومٍ أَوْ نَسَبْ ** أَوْ زُمَرٍ أَوْ فِعْلِ طَاعَةٍ نَشَبْ
59. Wal-kibru immā bi-‘ulūmin aw nasab ** Aw zumarin aw fi‘ili tā‘atin nashab
59. Pride arises from [having] knowledge, or lineage
Or the group [to which one belongs], or acts of obedience, or possessions
60. مَعْصِيَةٌ تُورِثُ ذُلَّا خَيْرُ ** وَطَاعَةٌ تُورِثُ كِبْرًا شَرُّ
60. Ma‘asiyatun tūrithu dhullā khairu ** Wa tā‘atun tūrithu kibrān sharru
60. [But] disobedience that brings humiliation is better
Than obedience that results in pride
61. فَلَسْتَ تَخْلُصُ مِنَ الْآفَاتِ ** إِلَّا بِشَيْخٍ عَارِفٍ تُوَاتِي
61. Fa-lasta takh'lusu mina-l ‘āfāti ** Illā bi-shaykhin ‘ārifin tuwātī
61. You will never be free from blemish,
Except by means of a gnostic shaykh, possessed of assistance¹⁵
62. فَلْتُمْسِكَنْ بِعِصَمِ الْـمَشَايِخِ ** إِذَا أَرَدْتَ نَيْلَ عِزٍّ شَامِخِ
62. Fal-tumsikan bi‘izami-l mashāyikhi ** Idhā arad'ta nayla ‘izzin shāmikhi
62. Hold tightly to the protection of the shaykhs
If you would attain lofty exaltation
63. خَيْرُ شُيُوخِ الدَّهْرِ بِالإِطْلَاقِ ** إِمَامُنَا التِّجَانِ ذُو الأَخْلَاقِ
63. Khayru-sh shuyūkhi-d dah’ri bi-l it'lāqi ** Imāmunā-t tijāni dhū-l akhlāqi
63. The best of shaykhs, in all time, without limit
Is our Imam al-Tijani, endowed with great virtues
64. بَرْزَخُ كُلِّ عَارِفٍ وَأُسُّ ** لَـهُمْ وَيَنْبُوعٌ وَهْوَ شَمْسُ
64. Bar’zakhu kulli ‘ārifin wa ussu ** Lahum wa yanbū-‘un wah’wa shamsu
64. The isthmus [barzakh]¹⁶ of every gnostic, and their foundation
He is to them the fountainhead and the sun
65. وَخَيْرُ كُلِّ الطُّرْقِ بِالْإِجْمَاعِ ** طَرِيقُهُ أَيْضًا بِلَا نِزَاعِ
65. Wa khairu kulli-t tur’qi bi-l ijmā‘i ** Tarīquhu aydān bilā nizā‘i
65. So the best of all [Sufi] paths by consensus
Is therefore his path without dispute
66. وَيَسْتَحِيلُ جَمْعُهَا بِأُخْرَى ** أَخْـسِرْ بِقَائِلٍ بِهِ فِي الْأُخْرَى
66. Wa yastahīlu jam‘uhā bi-ukh’rā ** Akh’sir bi-qā'ilin bihi fī-l ukh’rā
66. Impossible it is to combine it with another
Who says such will suffer deprivation in the afterlife
67. كَذَبَ وَافْتَرَى عَلَى الإِلَــٰـهِ جَلْ ** إِنِّي أَقُولُ إِنَّ ذَا الْوِرْدَ بَجَلْ
67. kadhaba wa’ftarā ‘alā-l Ilāhi jal ** Innī aqūlu inna dhā-l wir’da bajal
67. For he has lied, and fabricated falsehoods against Allah the majestic
Indeed I say: this litany (wird) is [uniquely] dignified
68. وَلَازِمَنْ أَذْكَارَ هَذَا الْوِرْدِ ** إِذًا لَعَمْرِي لِلْوُصُولِ تَهْدِي
68. Wa lāziman adh’kāra ādhā-l wir’di ** Idhān la-‘amri lil-wusūli tah'dii
68. Adhere to the remembrance of this litany
Then by my life I swear: guided will be your arrival [in the divine presence]
69. حِزْبَ التَّـضَرُّعِ صَلَاةَ الْفَاتِحْ ** كَذَاكَ اللَّهُمَّ عَلَيْكَ فَاتِحْ
69 Hizbu-t tadarru-‘i salāta-l fātih ** Kadhāka-l llahumma ‘alayka faatih
69. There is [also] “The Orison of Humility” and “The Prayer of Opening”
And “With Allah is Illumination”¹⁷
70. وَغَيْرَ ذِي مِمَّا حَوَى الرِّجَالُ ** رِجَالُ ذِي الطَّرِيقِ إِنْ أَنَالُواْ
70. Wa gayru dhī mimma hawā-r rijālu ** Rijālu dhī-t tareeqi in anālū
70. And other [prayers] collected by the distinguished folk (al-rijal)¹⁸
The mature ones of this path, should they confer them
71. لَكِنَّ سِرَّهُمْ بِجِدٍّ قَدْ يُنَالْ ** لَا بِالْـهُوَيْنَا وَمُدَارَاةِ الرِّجَالْ
71. Lakinna sirrahum bi-jiddin qad yunāl ** Lā bi-l huwaynā wa mudārāti-r rijāl
71. But only in earnestness are their secrets obtained
Not with leisure or by [false] indulgence of the distinguished¹⁹
72. بَلْ بِالْتِزَامِ مَا أَتَواْ لُزُومَا ** وَبِاتِّبَاعِ قَوْلِـهِمْ مَلْزُومَا
72. Bal bi-t tizāmi mā atau luzūmā ** Wabi-t tibā‘i qawlihim malzūmā
72. But rather it is by obligating oneself with what they give
And following their instruction continuously
73. لَا تَخْتَرَنْ تَحَادُثَ الأَقْرَانِ ** عَنِ الْـجُلُوسِ عِنْدَهُ يَا فَانِ
73. Lā takh’taran tahādutha-l aqramāni ** ‘Ani-l julūsi ‘indahu yā fāni
73. Prefer not the conversation of peers
To sitting in the presence of your shaykh, O annihilated one!
74. إِذًا فَلَا تَطْمَعْ بِنَيْلِ الأَسْرَارْ ** فَـالسِّرُّ لَا يُنَالُ عِنْدَ الإِجْهَارْ
74. Idhān falā tatma‘a bi-nayli-l asrār ** Fa-s sirru lā yunālu ‘inda-l ij'hār
74. And there, do not hunger for secrets
The secret is not obtained in public
75. لَكِنْ إِذَا لَازَمْتَهُ فِي الْغَالِبِ ** فَقَدْ تَفُوزُ مِنْهُ بِالْـمَطَالِبِ
75. Lakin idhā lā zamtahu fī-l gālibi ** Faqad tafūzu min’hu bi-l matālibi
75. Cling to him [your shaykh] always
From him you will gain what you seek
76. وَقَدْ تَفُوزُ مِنْهُ بِالْعَدْوَى وَهِي ** ثَابِتَةٌ عِنْدَ الرِّجَالِ انْتَبِهِ
76. Waqad tafūzu min'hu bi-l ‘adwā wahī ** Thābitatun ‘inda-r rijāli-ntabihi
76. Success from him is also by contagious energy
As confirmed by men [of knowledge], so be alert
77. مَنْ لَمْ يَنَلْ مَعْرِفَةَ الرَّحْمَانِ ** أَعْمَارُهُ ضَاعَتْ مَدَى الْأَزْمَانِ
77 Man lam yanāl ma'arifata-r rahmāni ** A‘amāruhu dā‘at madā-l azmāni
77. Who does not attain knowledge (ma‘rifa) of the Merciful [Lord]
His life has been wasted however long he lived
77. Who does not attain knowledge (ma‘rifa) of the Merciful [Lord]
His life has been wasted however long he lived
78. خَلَقْتُ ذَا الْـخَلْقَ لِيَعْبُدُونِي ** يَعْنِي بِيَعْبُدُونِ يَعْرِفُونِي
78. khalaqtu dhā-l khalqa li-ya‘abudūnī ** Ya‘anī bi-ya‘abudūni ya‘arifūnī
78. I created the creation [Allah said] to worship Me
“To worship Me”
means “To know Me”²⁰
79. لَا تَأْلُ جُهْدَكَ بِنَيْلِ الْعِرْفَانْ ** إِذًا تَرَى عَجِيبَ قُرْبِ الرَّحْمَانْ
79. Lā ta'-lu juh’daka bi-nayli-l ‘irfāni ** Idhā tarā ‘ajeeba qur’bi-r Rahmān
79. Spare no effort to obtain this gnosis
Then you will see the Merciful’s astonishing proximity
80. يَظْهَرُ مِنْ شَيْءٍ عَلَى شَيْءٍ لَدَى ** شَيْءٍ وَقَبْلَهُ وَبَعْدُ سَرْمَدَا
80. Yaz’har min shay’in ‘alā shay’hin ladā ** Shay’hin wa qab’lahu wa ba‘adu sar’madā
80. He is manifest in everything, upon everything, and by everything
Before it, and after it, for all time
81. وَإِنْ رَغِبْتَ فِي ازْدِيَادِ الإِيمَانْ ** فَتُبْ نَصُوحًا أَرْدِفَنْهَا إِحْسَانْ
81. wa in ragibta fī-z’diyādi-l eemān ** Fa-tub nasūhān ardifan’hā ih’sān
81. If you desire increase in faith
Then repent sincerely, and follow it with (the way of) excellence
82. لَا تُبْغِضَنَّ مُسْلِمًا لَا تَغْضَبِ ** إِلَّا لِـهَتْكِ شِرْعَةِ الْـمُهَذَّبِ
82. Lā tubgidanna muslimān lā tagdabi ** Illā lihat’ki shir‘ati-l muhadh-dhabi
82. Do not hate a Muslim, nor get angry
Except at the debasement of the refined sacred law
83. لَازِمْ قِيَامَ اللَّيْلِ جُوعَ مِعْدَهْ ** أَكْلُ الْـحَلَالِ الـصَّرْفِ أَيْضًا عُدَّهْ
83. Lāzim qiyāma-l layli jū‘a mi‘idah ** Aklu-l halāli-s sarfi aydān ‘uddah
83. Adhere to the night prayer²¹ and to a hungry stomach
Eating what is lawful and pure also counts [to increase faith]
84. وَنَاصِحِ الإِخْوَانَ وَاصْمُتْ صَاحِبِ ** أَهْلَ الْـمُرُوءَةِ مِنَ الأَقَارِبِ
84. wa nāsihi-l ikhwāna wa-s’mut sāhibi ** Ahla-l murū’ati mina-l aqāribi
84. Be a good counselor to your brothers, and [mostly] stay silent
Accompany the people of chivalrous virtue among those brought near²²
85. وَالْـمَرْءُ فِي دِينِ قَرِينِهِ الْـحَمِيمْ ** إِنْ صَالِـحًا فَصَالِحٌ وَإِنْ بَهِيمْ
85. wa-l mar’u fī deeni qareenīhi-l hamīm ** In sālihān fa-sālihun wa in bahīm
85. A man is in the religion of his close associate
If righteous, he too will be righteous even if foolish
86. تَذَكَّرُ الْـمِيزَانِ نَـشْرِ الصُّحُفِ ** مَا فِي الْـجَحِيمِ مِنْ دَوَامِ الأَسَفِ
86. Tadhakkarru-l mīzāni nashri-s suhufi ** Mā fii-l jahīmi min dawāmi-l asafi
86. Remember the scale (of divine judgment), and the unrolling of the scrolls²³
And the unending sorrow in hellfire
87. وَفِي الْـجِنَانِ مِنْ حِسَانِ الْـحُورِ ** مَعَ الْـجَوَارِ مَعْ حِسَانِ الدُّورِ
87. Wa fī-l janāni min hisāni-l hūri ** Ma‘a-l jawāri ma‘a hisāni-d dūri
88. وَدُمْ عَلَى مُكَفِّرَاتِ الذَّنْبِ ** آكَدُهَا صَلَاةُ هَذَا الْقُطْبِ
88. Wa-dum ‘alā mukaffirāti-dh dhanbi ** Ākaduhā salātu ādhā-l qutbi
89. مِنْهَا الْـمُسَبَّعَاتُ صُبْحًا وَمَسَا ** حِكَايَةُ الأَذَانِ أَيْضًا ذَا ائْتِسَا
89. Min’hā-l musabba‘ātu sub'hān wa masā ** Hikāyatu-l adhāni aydān dha-tisā
90. أَنْوَاعُ أَذْكَارٍ أَتَتْ فِي الْـمَذْهَبِ ** صَلَاتُنَا عَلَى الرَّفِيعِ الْـمَنْصِبِ
90. Anwā‘u adhkārin atat fii-l madh’abi ** Salatunā ‘alā-r rafee‘i-l mansibi
91. صَلَاةُ تَسْبِيحٍ وَتَسْبِيحٌ كَذَا ** تَدَبُّرُ الْقُرْآنِ رَاعِ الْـمَـأْخَذَا
91. Salātu tasbīhin wa tasbīhun kadhā ** Tadabburu-l qur’āni rā‘i-l ma’-khadhā
92. وَرَكْعَتَانِ خُفْيَةً نَقْلُ الْـخُطَّى ** إِلَى الْـمَسَاجِدِ يُكَفِّرُ الْـخَطَا
92. wa rak‘atāni khufyatan naqlu-l khutā ** Ilā-l masājidi yukaffiru-l khatā
93. كَذَاكَ إِسْبَاغُ الْوُضُوءِ وَقُدِ ** أَعْمَى كَذَا قَضَاءُ حَاجَةٍ زِدِ
93. kadhāka isbāgu-l wudū’i wa-qudi ** A‘amā kadhā qadā’u hājatin zidi
93. Also is the perfection of ablution (wudu’)
And guiding a blind person, also fulfilling a person’s needs
94. وَعَدُّ مَوْجِ الْبَحْرِ فِكْرَةٌ مُصَا ** فَحَةُ الإِخْوَانِ فَخُذْ مُقْتَنِصَا
94. Wa‘addu mauji-l bahri fikratun musā.. **
..fahatu-l ikhwāni fa-khudh muqtanisā
94. And reflective counting of the sea’s waves
[And] take every opportunity to shake the hands of Muslims
95. تَعْمِيرُ شَخْصٍ رَمَضَانُ صَوْمُهُ ** وَقَائِمٌ فِيهِ يُمَحَّى جُرْمُهُ
95. Ta‘amīru shakh’sin ramadānu saumuhu ** Wa qā’imun fīhi yumahhā jur’muhu
95. [Likewise] a person’s filling Ramadan with fasting
And the night prayer, [all] will erase his sin
96. حَجٌّ وَعُمْرَةٌ وَسِرُّ صَدَقَهْ ** مِنْ حِلِّ مَالٍ نِعْمَ تِلْكَ الصَّدَقَهْ
96. Hajjun wa ‘umratun wa sirru sadaqah ** Min hilli mālin ni‘ima tilka-s sadaqah
96. Perform the greater and less pilgrimages (hajj and ‘umra), and secretly give charity
From wealth earned lawfully, such is blessed charity indeed
97. تَعْلِيمُ صِبْيَةٍ صَلَاةُ الصَّفِّ ** فَكُلُّ ذَاكَ ذَكَرُواْ فِي الصُّحُفِ
97. Ta‘alīmu sibyatin salātu-s saffi ** Fakullu dhāka dhakarū fī-s suhufi
97. [Also is] teaching a child, and praying in straight rows
All of this is mentioned in the [holy] pages [of the Qur’an]
98. وَهَاكَ آفَاتٍ تُـقَسِّي الْقَلْبَا ** حُبُّ الرِّيَاسَةِ أَشَدُّ عَيْبَا
98. Wa hāka āfātin tuqassii-l qalbā ** Hubbu-r riyāsati ashaddu ‘aybā
98. Here are the defects that harden the heart: Love of leadership is the worst vice
99. مَزْحٌ وَغِيبَةٌ جَلِيسُ السُّوءِ ** فُحْشٌ نَمِيمَةٌ وَنَفْسُ السُّوءِ
99. maz‘un wa ghībatun jalīsu-s sū’i ** Fuh’shu namīmatun wa nafsun sū’i
99. [Also dangerous to the heart are] mockery, slander, and evil sitting companions
Indecency, scandalmongering, and a wicked ego-self
100. كَذَا هَوَى النَّفْسِ فَلَا تَتَّبِـعِ ** وَفِي الدُّنَا ازْهَدِ بِلَا تَتَبُّعِ
100. Kadhā hawā-n nafsi falā tattabi‘i ** Wa fi-d dunā-z’hadi bilā tatabbu‘i
100. So follow not the self’s vain desires
Nor chase after the world: rather restrain yourself
101. كُنْ حِلْسَ بَيْتٍ وَاعْتَزِلْ كُلَّ الْوَرَى ** لَا تَسْتَطِبْ أَقَاوِلًا وَلَا مِرَا
101. kun hilsa baytin wa-‘atazil kulla-l warā ** Lā tastatib aqāwilān walā mirā
101. Be like a blanket in the house, and withdraw from everyone
Do not delight in [vain] talks or quarrels
102. وَغُضَّ طَرْفًا عَنْ عُيُوبِ النَّاسِ ** وَلْتَغْفَلَنْ عَنْهُمْ بِكُلِّ بَاسِ
102. Wa-gudda tarfān ‘an ‘uyūbi-n nāsi ** Wal-tagfalan ‘an-hum bi-kulli bāsi
102. Overlook people’s faults
Make every effort to ignore them
103. تَصَدَّقِ الْـمَـالَ لِوَجْهِ اللهِ ** زُرْ قَبْرَ مُسْلِمٍ بِلَا تَنَاهِ
103. Tasaddaqa-l māla li-waj’hi-llahi ** Zur qabra muslimin bilā tanāhi
104. لَا تَحْلِفَنْ إِلَّا إِذَا قَيَّدْتَا ** عَلَى الْـمَشِيئَةِ مَتَى حَلَفْتَا
104. Lā tah’lifan illā idhā qayyadtā ** ‘alā-l mashī‘ati matā halaftaā
105. قَدِ انْتَهَتْ نَصِيحَةُ الإِخْوَانِ ** عَلَى اخْتِصَارٍ مِثْلَ أَهْلِ الآنِ
105. qadi-n'tahat nasīhatu-l ikhwāni ** ‘alā-kh’tisārin mithla ahli-l āni
106. فِي عَامِ الإِثْنَيْنِ وَالأَرْبَعِينَا ** بَعْدَ ثَلَاثَ عَـشْرَةَ مِئِينَا
106. Fii ‘āmi-l ithnayni wa-l arba‘īnā ** Ba‘ada thalatha ‘ashrata ma’īnā
106. In the year forty-two
After thirteen hundred [after Hijra]²⁷
107. سَمَّيْتُ ذَا النَّظْمَ بِرُوحِ الأَدَبِ ** لِـمَا حَوَى مِنْ حِكَمٍ وَأَدَبِ
107. sammaytu dhā-n nazma bi-rūhi-l adabi ** limā hawā min hikamin wa adabi
108. مُعْتَذِرًا عِنْدَ ذَوِي الأَلْبَابِ ** وَمُنْشِدًا قَوْلَ فَتَى الأَنْدَابِ
108. mu‘utadhirān ‘inda dhawii-l albābi ** Wa-munshidān qawla fatā-l andābi
109. وَلِبَنِي إِحْدَى وَعِـشْرِينَ سَنَهْ ** مَعْذِرَةٌ مَقْبُولَةٌ مُسْتَحْسَنَهْ
109. Wa-libanī ih’daa wa-‘ishrīna sanah ** Ma‘adhiratun maqbūlatun mustahsanah
110. فَانْفَعْ بِذَا النَّظْمِ جَمِيعَ الْـمُؤْمِنِينْ ** يَا رَبَّنَا بِجَاهِ خَيْرِ الْـمُرْسَلِينْ
110. Fanfa‘a bi dhā-n nazmi jamī’i-l mu’minīn ** Yaa Rabbanā bi-jāhi khayri mur’salīn
111. وَاجْعَلْهُ خَالِصًا لِوَجْهِكَ الْكَرِيمْ ** يَا رَبِّ يَا لَطِيفُ رَحْمَنُ رَحِيمْ
111. Waj‘al-hu khālisān li-waj’hika-l karīm ** Yā Rabbi yaa Lateefu Rahmānu Rahīm
111. And make it purely for the sake of Your noble countenance
O Gracious, Compassionate and Merciful Lord
112. وَلَا يَغُرَّنْكَ بِحِفْظِ النَّظْمِ ** كَوْنِي صَغِيرًا فِي بِلَادِ الْعَجْمِ
112. walā yagurranka bi hifzi-n nazmi ** Kawnii sagīrān fī bilādi-l ‘ajmi
112. Be not deluded from memorizing this poem
Only because I am young and from a non-Arab land
113. فَاللّٰهُ يَخْتَصُّ بِفَضْلٍ مَنْ يُرِيدْ ** وَاللهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ وَالْـمُرِيدْ
113. Fa-llahu yakhtassu bi-fadlin man yurīd ** Wa-llahu dhū-l fadli-l ‘azeemi wa-l murīd
113. For Allah favors whom He wills
And Allah surely wills, and possessed is He of great favor
114. قَدْ قَالَ فِي هَذَا الْـمَجَالِ الأَمْجَدُ ** خَدِيمُ طَهَ الْـمَالِكِيُّ أَحْمَدُ
114. Qad qāla fii ādhā-l majāli-l amjadu ** Khadīmu Taha-l mālikiyyu Ahmadu
114. As has been said by the illustrious servant
Of Taha [Muhammad], Ahmad [Bamba] the Maliki [scholar]:
115. فَلَيْسَ يُكْسِبُ سَوَادُ الْـجِسْمِ ** بَلَادَةَ الْفَتَى وَسُوءَ الْفَهْمِ
115. Falaysa yuksibu sawādu-l jismi ** Bilādata-l fatā wa-sū’a-l fahmi
115. Black skin cannot be associated
With immature foolishness or deficient understanding
116. يَا رَبِّ يَا رَبِّ بِجَاهِ الْـهَادِي ** فَكُفَّ عَنَّا كُلَّ شَرٍّ عَادِي
116. Yā Rabbi Yā Rabbi bi-jāhi-l Hādī ** Fakuffa ‘annā kulla sharrin ‘ādī
116. O Lord, by the blessing of the guiding Prophet
Protect us from the evil of enemies
117. مُنَّ عَلَيْنَا بِكَمَالِ الْعِرْفَانْ ** وَكُلِّ مَرْغُوبٍ بِخَيْرِ عَدْنَانْ
117. Munna ‘alaynā bi-kamāli-l ‘ir’fān ** Wa kulli mar’gūbin bi-khayri ‘adnān
117. Grant us perfect divine cognizance
And everything we desire, by the best [descendent] of ‘Adnan²⁸
118. فَاسْتُرْ عُيُوبَنَا بِسِتْرِكَ الْـجَمِيلْ ** وَاقْهَرْ عَدُوَّنَا بِقَهْرِكَ الْـجَلِيلْ
118. Fastur ‘uyuubanā bi-sitrika-l jameel ** Waq’har ‘aduwwanā bi-qah’rika-l Jaleel
118. Cover our faults with Your veil of beauty
And vanquish our enemies with Your mighty force
119. وَالْـحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ الَّذِي قَدْ أَوْلَى ** تَيْسِيرَ نَظْمِي فَهْوَ نِعْمَ الْـمَوْلَى
119. Wa-l hamdu lillahi-l ladhī qad awlā ** Taysīra nazmī fah'wa ni‘ima-l mawlā
119. Praise to God who has brought [me] close
[And] facilitated my poem, and an excellent Patron Lord is He
120. ثُمَّ الصَّلَاةُ مَعَ تَسْلِيمِ السَّلَامْ ** عَلَى النَّبِيِّ الْـمُصْطَفَى خَيْرِ الْأَنَامْ
120. Thumma-s salātu ma‘a tasleemi-s salam ** ‘alā-n Nabbiyyi-l Mustafā khayri-l anām
120. Then prayer and salutations of peace
On the Prophet, the chosen, best of mankind
121. عَلَيْهِ وَالآلِ وَصَحْبٍ أَبْرَارْ ** مَا فَازَ بِالْعِرْفَانِ كُلُّ صَبَّارْ
121. ‘Alayhi wa-l āli wa sah’bin abrār ** Mā fāza bi-l ‘irfāni kullu sabbār
[Shaykh Ibrahim’s Seminal Poem on Adab (Proper Etiquette)]
121. Upon him and his family and pious companions
So long as every patient one attains [divine] cognizance.
Translated by Professor Zachary Wright
Primary Source:
Jihad of the Pen: The Sūfī Literature of West Africa [By Rudolph Ware, Zachary Wright & Amir Syed]. Published by The American University in Cairo Press, 2018.
Chapter Cited From;
Part 4: Shaykh Ibrahim bin ‘Abdallah Niasse (Pages 165—215) by Zachary Wright
Transliterated & Re-Arranged by: Isma‘eel Bakare
SŪFĪ LITERATURE & LITANY/SALĀT ALĀ-N NABIYY COLLECTION [AVAILABLE!!!]
👳🏾♂️Contact WhatsApp +2349078376281 or click 👉 https://wa.me/c/2349078376281
• Al-Yāqūtatu-l Fareeda Fī Tariqatu-t Tijāniyyah (The Unique Ruby in the Tijānīya Spiritual Path) — [Written by Sheikh Abdul-Wāhid Muhammad Nazifi] {Translation & Commentary by Jafaru Ibrahim}
• Mawridu Ridā (Shaykh Hassan Dem)
• Hizbu Suwar al-Maneehi (Shaykh Gibrīma)
• Itbā'u-t Tazyeel (Shehu Gibrīma)
• Jāmi'u Salawāt alā Nabiyy....by Sheikh Aliyyu Harazim
• Ahzāb wa Awrād (Collection of Prayers/Liturgies and Litanies) of Shaikh Ahmad at-Tijani - Arabic
• Jihāzu Sārih wa Sā’ihi wa Sābih wal ‘Ākiful Fālihu fī Tawajuhāt bi-Salātul Fātih by Shaykh Muhammad Gibrima Ad-Dāghirī - Arabic
• Al-Majmū'u min Da'awatayn (Ad-Da'awat al-Mustajābāt & Sidrat al-Muntahā ad-Dā'een), by Shaykh Muhammad Gibrīma
• Tadhyeel wa Ta'aqeeb an-Natā'ij wa As'alat al-Hawā'ij fī-s Salāt 'alā-s Sayyid al-Wujūd wa 'alami-sh Shuhūd, by Shaykh Muhammad Gibrīma
• Natā'ij al-Asfār fī-s Salāt alā-n Nabiyy al-Mukhtār, by Shaykh Ahmad ibn Aliyyu al-Yarwāwī (Abu-l Fat'h)
• Diwan Fat'hu-r Rahmān fi Mad'hi Sayyid al-Akwān, by Shaykh Ahmad ibn Aliyyu al-Yarwāwī (Abu-l Fat'h)
• Teebu-l Fā'ihi wa-l Wirdu-s Sā'ihi fī Salātu-l Fatih, by Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wāhid an-Nazeefī
• Kanzul Masūn - Collections of Prayers/Supplications (by Shaikh Ibrahim Niasse) - Arabic
• Tasbīh (Prayer Beads)
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*Content;*
*• Items 1 to 30: English Books*
*• Items 33 to 54: Arabic Books*
*ITEMS 1 TO 30: ENGLISH BOOKS*
1. Spiritual Flood (Alūfu-l Khalqi Ma'lūf), by Shaykh 'Abdul-Quadr ibn 'Ali Al-Nupewy [Annotated Translation from Arabic info English by Dr. Awwal Baba Taofiq
2. Who is this Shaikh “Shaikh Ibrahim Niasse Al-Kaolacky” [by Dr. Awwal Baba Taofiq]
3. Shariah and Haqeeqah: In the Light of the Qur'an and the Prophetic Traditions [by Dr. Awwal Baba Taofiq]
4. The Icon of Mystics: Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse Al-Kawlakhy [by Dr. Awwal Baba Taofiq]
5. Handbook for every Tijaniyyat [by Shaikh Ahmad Bello As-Suufi Harazimi]
6. Practical Guide on the Wird(Litany) of the Tariqah Faydah Tijaniyyah (The Adherent Handbook)-(Compiled by Sayyidah Bilqis Grillo)
7. Durratu Tāj (The Crown Jewel and Fundamental Needs of the Murid, Regarding the Essentials of the Rules & Requirements of the Tariqa Tijaniyyah Spiritual Path): A Concise Instructional Handbook/Pamphlet), by Abdul-Karīm ibn al-Arabī [Translated by Shaikh Hassan Cisse & Alhaji Lawal]
8. The Qualities and Uses of Zamzam Water (A Scientific & Islamic Exploration) by Abdul-Quadir Adeniyi Okeneye
9. Who is Shaykh Jamiu Bulala (by Ustaz Olanipekun Shittu Tunde)
10. Understanding the Concept of Will-Making in Islam (Fee Manzoori-l-Islam) by Abdul-Quadir Adeniyi Okeneye
11. Dawāwin as-Sitt (Six Anthologies) + Dīwān Sayr al-Qalb & Nūr al-Haq, by Shaikh Ibrahim Niasse (Arabic text & English translation [by Dr. Awwal Baba Taofiq]
12. Al-Yaaqutatul Fareeda Fii Tariqatul Tijaniyyah (The Unique Ruby in the Tijaniya Spiritual Path), by Sheikh Muhammad Nazifi (R.A)...Translated by Sayyidi Jafaru Ibrahim
13. Vessel of Spiritual Flood, Translation of Goran Faydah by Shaykh Balarabe Haroon Jega
(Hausa-Ajami text & English translation [by Dr. Awwal Baba Taofiq]
14. Dalā’il al-khairāt wa Shuwāriq al-Anwār fī Dhikr as-Salāt ‘alā-n Nabiyy al-Mukhtār (The Indices of Virtues/The Waymarks of Benefits and the Brilliant Burst of Sunshine in the Invocation of Allah’s Blessing on the Chosen Prophet) by Imām Sulaiman Jazūlī [Re-Arranged into Arabic text, Translation, Transliteration by Alhaji Marooph Raji]
15. Mawlud Lectures of Shaikh Ibrahim Niass(Translated by Sayyidah Bilqis Grillo)
16. Risalat at-Tawbah (Epistle of Repentance) of Shaykh Ibrahim Niyass al-Kawlakhi" - (Translation & Commentary by Dr. Razzaq Solagberu)
17. Epistle to the World [The Translation of Ayyuha-l-Walad (Dear Beloved Son)] by Imam Abu Hameed Al-Ghazaali....Translated by Abdul-Quadir Adeniyi Okeneye
18. Softcopy of Numerous Sufi Literature (Arabic & English) - (To be sent via CD & email/googledrive)
19. At-Taiseer (Simplification): The Means of Attaining Purification Through Poetry with Allaah's Most Beautiful Names, By Shaykh El-Hajj Malick Sy [same translator]
20. Qasida al-Hamziyya (Panegyric which contains the Biography & History of Prophet Muḥammad) by Shaykh Muhammad Būsayrī [Translation & Commentary by Ibrahim Jafaru] - Arabic & English
21. Sufism “The Orthodox Path” (At-Tasawwuf “Minhāj al-Qawīm”) [Arabic text & English translations ], by Oseni Aliu Olalekan
22. Facts about Sufism (by Sayyid Ismaheel Abdulrauf)
23. Kaduna & Katsina Conferences of Shaikh Ibrahim Niass(Translated by Sayyidah Bilqis Grillo)
24. Hizbul Bahr (Arabic, Translation & Transliteration by Alhaji Marooph Raji)
25. Hizbu Sayfi (Arabic, Translation & Transliteration by Alhaji Marooph Raji)
26. 37 Praises in Qur'an (Arabic, Translation & Transliteration by Alhaji Marooph Raji)
27. Al-Khusūsiyyah (Distinguished Miracles of Shaikh Ibrahim Niass)
28. Mukhtārāt min Mu'alafāt al-Fudiyāwiyūn [Selected Writings of the Fodios (Shaykh Usman, Abdullah & Muhammad Bello)] 11 Vols (English)
29. Selected Letters of Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani (25 Letters) & Selected Letters of Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse (30 Letters) - "Softcopies (PDF)" [Translated by Ustadh Talut Dawud (Translator of Jawāhir Al Ma'ānī, Kanzul Masūn and other important Books of the Tarīqa)] - NEW!!!
30. Tafsīr Ibn Sanūsi (Quranic Exegesis/Interpretation in Arabic & Yoruba Translation) - NEW!!!
*ITEMS 33 TO 54: ARABIC BOOKS*
33. Dalā’ilu l Khayrāt - Collection of prayers upon the Prophet (by Shaikh Sulaiman Jazūlī) - Arabic: in Hafs Arabic (big size)
34. Kanzul Masūn - Collections of Prayers/Supplications (by Shaikh Ibrahim Niasse) - Arabic
35. Dawāwīn as-Sitt (Six Anthologies) on Prophetic Eulogy (by Shaikh Ibrahim Niasse) - Arabic
36. Ahzāb wa Awrād (Collection of Prayers/Liturgies and Litanies) of Shaikh Ahmad at-Tijani - Arabic
37. Jihāzu Sārih wa Sā’ihi wa Sābih wal ‘Ākiful Fālihu fī Tawajuhāt bi-Salātul Fātih by Shaykh Muhammad Gibrima Ad-Dāghirī - *Arabic*
38. Jawāhir al-Ma’ānī wa Bulūgh al-Amānī fī Fayd Sīdi Abī-l ‘Abbās at-Tijānī (Jewels of Meanings and the Attainment of Aspirations in the Spiritual Flood of Abu l Abbas Tijānī) by Sīdī ‘Aliyyu Harāzim Berrada - Arabic [Single Vol 1/2]
39. Fī Riyādh at-Tafsīr lil Qur’ān al-Karīm (In the Meadows of Tafsir/Exegesis for the Noble Quran) - by Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse (Compiled by Muhammad ibn Abdullah Jayjubi at-Tijānī)
—Arabic [6 Volumes]
40. Fatihu Rabānī fīmā yahtāju ilayhi l Murīd at-Tijānī, by Muhammad ibn Abdullah at-Tijānī
41. Sa’ādat al-Anām bi Aqwāl Shaykh al-Islām
42. Tabsirat al-Anām fī anna-l ‘Ilma Huwa-l -mām
43. Raf’u-l Malām ‘aman rafa’a wa qabada iqtidā bi-Sayyid al-Anām
44. Nujūm al-Hudā fī kawni Nabiyyinā afdala man da’ā ilā llahi wa hadā
45. Al-Bayān wa-t Tabyīn ‘anni-t Tijāniyyati wa-t Tijāniyyīn
46. Tanbīhu-l adhkiyā’ fī kawn Ash-Shaykh At-Tijānī Khātim al-Awliyyā
47. Dīwān Sayr al-Qalb bi-Mad’h al-Mustafā al-hibb ilā Hadrat Ar-Rabb (small size & big size)
48. Majmū’ Rihlāt Ash-Shaykh Ibrāhīm [Ar-Rihlat al-Hijaziyya al-ūlā, Nayl al-Mafāz al-awd ilā-l Hijāz, Ar-Rihlat al-Kanāriyya wal Kumāshiyya, Ar-Rihlat al-Kunākriyya]
49. Jawāhir ar-Rasā’il al-hāwī ba’ad al-‘ulūm wasīlat al-wasā’il
50. Al-‘Ishrīniyya (Dīwān al-Wasā’il al-Mutaqabala fī mad’hi-n Nabiyyi) [by Wazīr Abdur-Rahmān al-Fāzāzī & Imām AbūBakr al-Muhīb]
51. Majmu’ Qasā’id al-Mawlid an-Nabawī
52. Al-Burdat al-madeehi(Shaikh Buusayri)
53. Tafsīr al-Qur'ān al-'Azīm "lil-Imāmayn Al-Jalālayni" (by Imām Jalālu-Deen Al-Muhalī & Imām Jalālu-Deen As-Suyūtī) [Warsh Scripts - 2 Vols]
54. Rūh ul-Bayān fī Tafsīr ul-Qur'ān (10 Volumes Sūfī Tafsīr/Quranic Exegesis) [by Shaikh Ismā'īl al-Haqqī al-Barūsī]
*NEW SŪFĪ COLLECTION (BOOKS OF SALĀT ALĀ NABIYY & NUMEROLOGY)*
*✓Collection of Prayers upon Prophet (Salāt alā Nabiyy)*
• Jihāz Sārih of Shaykh Gibrīma
• Dalā'ilu-l khayrāt of Shaykh Jazūlī
• Teebu-l Fā'ihi of Shaykh Nazīfī
• Kunūz al-Asrār of Shaykh Harūshī
*✓Texts on Ilmu'l Hisāb (Numerology/Divine Mathematics)*
• Shams al-Ma'arif al-Kubrā wa Latā'if al-'Awārif (by Imām Ahmad Ibn 'Aliyy al-Būnī)
• Manba'u Usūl ar-Raml (by Ustadh 'Abdul-Fatāhi at-Tūkhī al-Falakī)
• Abū Ma'ashar al-Falakī (by Shaykh Abū Hayyi-llah al-Marzūqī)
• Kitāb al-Jawāhir al-Khams (by Sīdī Muhammad Ibn Khawājat al-'Atār)
• Al-Jawāhir al-Lamā'ah (by Shaykh Abū Hayyi-llah al-Marzūqī)
• Ismu-llah al-A'azam (by Ustadh 'Abdul-Fatāhi at-Tūkhī al-Falakī)
• Manba'u Usūl al-Hikmah (by Imām Ahmad Ibn 'Aliyy al-Būnī)
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