Books by Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri

“The Qur’an itself is the great ocean of truth that lies undiscovered before us. In “Journey of the Universe” the Shaykh has built an island in this vast Qur’anic see of knowledge so that we on the shore can build a bridge to it from religion, or from science or from wherever we may stand. Then, when we have bridged this gap between our intellectual knowledge and what is already written in our hearts we see, on looking back to the shore we left, the whole landscape of our existence from an entirely new perspective. The creation of the Universe is the eternal instant unfolding in time. There was the “nothingness” and with the fiat of creation, “kun fa-yakun”, the nothingness” was split into the duality of existence, symbolized in the first Arabic letter “alif”, the primary mark of creation that descends from God. Viewed from the other side of time, from where we stand, there was this  last creation of immense energy that flung everything into separation, which we can liken to an explosion, or theorize as the “Big Bang”. But everything is from its Creator and must return to its Lord.”From the Foreword by Ibrahim StokesThe Qur’an traces the journey of all creation explicitly and implicitly, seeing the physical, biological and geological voyage of life as paralleled by the inner spiritual evolution of man. Bringing together the meanings and derivations of individual words, the Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri reveals vibrant images which the language of the Qur’an so subtly projects.

" Islam is not a historical phenomenon that began 1,400 years ago. It is the timeless art of awakening by means of submission. "Anything that slows down the approaching confrontation between Muslims and the rest of the world has to be well worth…(it). This concise explanation of Islam is about as timely as any book can be. I would suggest that this book ought to be read, and re-read, not only by so-called Christians, but by many Muslims, too." The Guardian U.K. At a time when communities increasingly tend to view each other with suspicion, The Elements of Islam cuts through the morass of misunderstanding and misinformation to give a true and timely overview of the universality and light of the prophetic message of Islam. The Elements of Islam explains the unifying path of Islam; the history and development of Islam as a religion; the distinction between original Islam and the traditions of Muslims; the life that Muslims lead today; the future of Islam.

The human journey on earth is fr om low, basic sentiency towards the highest level of consciousness. From childhood on we are challenged to witness, experience, and choose what is better for our happiness. With awakening you discover that, in truth, there is no diff erentiation or separation as everything is still contained within absolute, unitive reality.Oneness is the only truth and the process of differentiating between what is good and what is not is like coming across milestones along that path. We differentiate in order to be content with the connectedness that leads to essential original Oneness.Human consciousness links the infinite unseen with finite sensory experiences. These poems are like flags. The material is a language or brush strokes indicating transitions between the boundless and the limited, within and beyond time and space, like flags on a temple reminding us of our transitory earthly journey and how magnificient it is if we are aware of its timeless grace.

"Consciousness is the cosmic mystery that provides all the ingredients to the majesty and beauty of Life and existence on earth. We take the simple day-to-day awareness of this Life for granted, without the respect that it deserves. Every life moves towards higher and higher levels of consciousness, often a great source of delight for us, when we witness the distinctions of growth in awareness of this beauty. Pointers to Reality provides some helpful reminders to us that our direction is always towards full awakening, whether it occurs in this life, or in the next. I hope that these aphorisms will give you the sparks of delight of our purpose of life. "From the Introduction by Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri

The Qur'an is a treasure trove providing guidance and help at all times and for all people when approached the right courtesy and trust. The selected verses in this booklet are exceptionally potent when reflected upon. They lift human consciousness towards its cosmic origin and therefore complete the story and meaning of human life. Their impact becomes greater when memorised and repeated giving the genuine uplift which is the gift of true worship.

Human love for beauty, harmony and gardens simply reflects our desire to connect forms, emotions and meanings. Energy and matter are inseparable, so are all beginnings and end. ¿The Garden of Meaning¿ expresses the truth of the ever present Origin of all dualities, pluralities and diversities. Any reflection that elevates the human mind towards higher consciousness is a spiritual exercise. The pointers in this book are like ladders to help the serious reader transcend the limitations of the natural trap of space and time.

"Sufism and Islam cannot be separated, in the same way that higher consciousness or awakening cannot be separated from Islam. Islam is not a historical phenomenon that began 1,400 years ago. It is the timeless artof awakening by means of submission. Sufism is the heart of Islam. It is as ancient as the rise of human consciousness."~ From the Introduction by Shaykh Fadhlalla HaeriMany have heard about Sufism, but beyond the current popularity of Rumi's poetry, few really know what Sufism stands for. This useful and easy to read introduction to Sufism describes its historical origins, essential concepts, principles and practices, and how it grew to spread throughout the world in the form of different orders or tariqahs. Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri adeptly explains this development, showing the relationship between Islam and Sufism, what it means to be a Sufi, and the relevance of Sufism in modern life. The reader also benefits from brief biographies of the most famous Sufi figures.

Spectrum of Reality synthesizes a comprehensive analysis of the human condition and the way we perceive reality. Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri makes difficult concepts accessible, especially through the use of metaphors, allegories, and insights from modern science. His thesis is that human consciousness manifests in several waysacross a spectrum that ranges from universal supreme consciousness to personal conditioned consciousness. It is the nature of human culture, thought and personal consciousness to continually operate in a dualistic way, so that Reality is obscured by several layers of fragmentation.The ultimate harmony of human consciousness with universal reality is the challenge of existence. Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri illustrates that we can heal the split between individual and the universal by recognising that each is essential to its different territory, and believes that 'spirit' is the causal factor from which all states arise.Adnan al Adnani, author of Lights of Consciousness: A Sufi view of Science and Spirituality"The aphorisms, precepts and commentaries presented by Shaykh Fadhlallah Haeri in his new work, Spectrum of Reality, are immensely rewarding. They provide the reader an extraordinarly insightful access into the realm of subtle meanings that underpin the outer realities; and provide not only spiritual nourishment but also an understanding of the vaster, hidden, worlds which enfold the human condition."Dr. Ali Allawi, visiting professor at the National University of Singapore and Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Professor, Oxford University and former Minister of Finance, Iraq, Author of 'The Crisis of Islamic Civilzation', & 'The Occupation of Iraq: Winning the War, Losing the Peace' "Spectrum of Reality is a true masterpiece, a life long work, and a very well written book, which is sure to satisfy all those who earnestly yearn to know and understand the actual Meaning of Life, What is the Nature of Reality? and How to Awaken to the Divine Self, that is lying latent in each human being, and waiting to be Realised. I highly recommend this significant and priceless publication for all earnest seekers who wish to understand the Real Truth of the World in which we live."Alan Jacobs, President Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK, Poet, Author of 'Poetry for the Spirit', 'The Wisdom The Native American Indians', 'When Jesus Lived in India

The primal design of human beings is based on an intrinsic knowledge of perfection and its yearning and journeying towards it. Life's experience is based on polarities and opposites, all of which is founded on a zone of constancy that does not change. All needs and desires are drives toward the perfection of the highest. The intelligent human being has no choice other than calling on Allah, whose Most Beautiful Names and Attributes are perfect at all times. It is by that calling and worship that we achieve the fruits of existence."In this book, we have presented a brief discourse on the doors of entry into the vast, boundless divine light created through supplication and calling upon Allah. Our hope is to facilitate its use, benefit and transformation for the traveller along the path. Thus, the repeated reading and use of this book by the seeker is recommended to open up the numerous horizons and subtleties of Allah's ways of grace."-- from the Introduction by Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri

The 'Refinement of Character' discourses offered by Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri in South Africa present a comprehensive and complete package of essentials regarding the self and its emergence, of the interplay between the ego and the soul (behaviour and personality dynamics).

This is a commentary on the last section of the Qur'an.The original edition of this commentary (tafsir) was published some twenty years ago. It was a result of teachings and talks with the objective of exploring the deeper meanings of the Divine revelations. The emphasis had been on the key Qur`anic terms and the subtle facets and connotations of Arabic words. The response by the readers was most encouraging.The new millennium opens in an age of great complexities, chaos and constant change in values and the way of life. Therefore, what is needed nowadays is the re-discovery of Allah's patterns as revealed in the Qur'anic message so that we can act appropriately in this world.The message of the Qur'an emanates from the original Divine blueprint which also lies latent in the human heart. All of us seek the path of ease, knowledge, security, love and contentment. No happiness lasts unless it is based on the knowledge of Allah and submission to His intended purpose and ways. The Qur`an is the key to this awakening.

Surat Ya Sin is the heart of the Qur'an (qalb al-Qur'an). It is the chapter (surah) of the Qur'an which is read over the dead; therefore it is a chapter of great importance to the living. Should one seek to know the meaning of life, one must experience death, for man has come from the non-physical realm and he is swiftly proceeding towards it again. Knowledge is based on opposites. Man's apprehension of knowledge depends upon the condition of his heart. If the condition of his heart is pure and receptive, he sees perfection in every aspect of every situation he finds himself in. The Qur'an allows one to fathom the unfathomable.

Surat Ale-`Imran is one of the most comprehensive and detailed chapters of the Qur'an. It demonstrates the meaning of hypocrisy, courage and belief, using the historical setting of the Battle of Uhud, one of the early Muslim campaigns, to show how people behave in different circumstances and justify their behavior.This chapter unveils truth and insight regarding the human self, society, this world and the Next Life.

Surat al-Fatiha is placed at the beginning of the Qur'an because it signifies the opening of knowledge and so the victory over ignorance. If, in the direction we are taking, there is no door, then we have reached our target - we have won. Fatiha means to open, reveal, imbue, and conquer. This surah is so named because if you follow it in your heart, you will be victorious. You will conquer and an opening will come to you.Surat al-Baqarah scans the history of humankind from Adam to the time of the Prophet Muhammad. It contains a blueprint of how a community can live, how its members should behave as individuals, within their families, and in economic and social terms. It also gives guidance and prescriptions regarding inner and outer struggle and development.

These commentaries on several essential chapters of the Qur'an are based on Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri's teachings in the West. The chapters include Surahs Fatiha, Baqarah, Al Imran, Yaseen, Al Ankabut, Al Rahman,Al Waqiah, Al Mulk and the entire Juz Amma (last section of the Qur'an). These explorations of selected chapters of the Qur'an are aimed at those seeking guidance and transformation in the modern world. Emphasising the timeless wisdom of the Qur'an, Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri uses the linguistic roots of the key terms to offer illuminating insights into its deep inner meanings, and shows its relevance to our present day lives. As a source of understanding for both Muslims and non-Muslims, this volume of 5 parts will be greatly valued.The Qur'an reflects the absolute truth in all respects. It guides towards knowledge of numerous realities. In it one hears the eternal song of mercy, love and the oneness of creational reality. In the Qur'an we see the laws which govern the experiential, physical word as well as the subtle hidden worlds above and below.The Qur'an tells the story of creation from before creation to beyond the end of creation. It takes one to its source-the timeless, boundless, All-Encompassing Absolute Creator.Keys to the Qur'an is based on discourses given by Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri in America and Europe. This volume looks to the Qur'an for existential guidance and direction in this life. It does not resemble other traditional commentaries. It seeks from the Qur'an a way of living that will enable humankind, here and now, to travel courageously, purposefully and humbly toward enlightenment and awakening.

This collection of verses from the Qur'an and traditions from the Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his family) and the Imams is unique for it makes available for the first time in English a comprehensive selection of Islamic teachings arranged according to topics that deal with belief and worship as well as the social and spiritual values which Islam upholds. "Prophetic Traditions in Islam - On the Authority of the Family of the Prophet" contains a wealth of wisdom, knowledge and inspiration for all who seek to know more about Islam and the process of refining one's character and conduct. Taking as its source the gnosis and science transmitted by Allah on the tongue of the Prophet Muhammad, it presents fundamentals of the legal parameters and spiritual truths of Islam. From [this book] one can learn a great deal about the Islamic conception of God and prophecy, of worship and virtue, of the character of the Shi`ah Imams and even of early Islamic history. Furthermore, one can also learn much about the human state, its origin and end, and the meaning of terrestrial existence and our role here on earth. The book therefore addresses itself not only to the lovers of the Ahl al-Bayt and all Muslims, but in fact to all human beings, whatever their background may be, as long as they are attracted to the world of the Spirit and are in quest of meaning in their transient lives here on earth. - from the foreword by Seyyed Hossein Nasr