Description
This book explores the concept of happiness linked to contentment, tracing its historical and intellectual development through Sufism from the Umayyad to the Mamluk eras. It focuses on the human condition of the Sufi thinker and their journey to reach the station of contentment (al-Rida), considered the highest station by many Sufis. Reaching this station requires intense and continuous self-discipline. Reaching contentment is akin to achieving freedom in a world that is largely a prison due to its limited duration and scope. Contentment is a small liberation from this prison, but how does this occur? What journey does the Sufi undertake within themselves? What is the true nature and language of Sufism? Are there steps we can follow to attain happiness?
Readers can explore the book’s pages and delve into its examples to understand how contentment arises after hardship. Can we find contentment when faced with injustice, loss, poverty, or illness? What is the secret to happiness? We need to read about patience and trials in the Sufi tradition, and we will discuss the noble character traits that lead to liberation in this world. This book leaves you, dear reader, with a special message, as it is based on scholarly research for a deeper understanding of Sufism. Ibrahim ibn Adham, one of the earliest Sufi thinkers, said:
“We are in a state of happiness that, if kings knew of it, they would fight us for it with swords.” But how did the Sufi attain this happiness? Perhaps the answer lies within this book.
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