The Principles of Sufism ('A'ishah al-Ba'uniyyah )

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'A'ishah al-Ba'uniyyah (d. 923/1517) of Damascus was one of the great women scholars in Islamic history. A mystic and prolific poet and writer, 'A'ishah composed more works in Arabic than any other woman before the twentieth century. Yet despite her extraordinary literary and religious achievements, 'A'ishah al-Ba'uniyyah remains largely unknown. For the first time her key work, The Principles of Sufism, is available in English translation.

The Principles of Sufism is a mystical guide book to help others on their spiritual path. She recounts the fundamental stages and states of the spiritual novice's transformative journey, emphasizing the importance of embracing both human limitations and God's limitless love. Drawing on lessons and readings from centuries-old Sufi tradition, 'A'ishah advises the seeker to repent of selfishness and turn to a sincere life of love. In addition to his lucid translation, Th. Emil Homerin provides an insightful introduction, notes and a glossary to 'A'ishah al-Ba'uniyyah's remarkable account of the pursuit of mystical illumination.

'A'ISHAH AL-BA'UNIYYAH (d. 923 H/1517 AD) of Damascus was one of the greatest female scholars in Islamic history. A mystic and a prolific poet and writer, she com posed more works in Arabic than any other woman before the 20th century.

TH. EMIL HOMERIN is Professor of Religion in the Department of Religion & Classics at the University of Rochester, where he teaches courses on Islam and classical Arabic literature. His earlier publications include Emanations of Grace: The Mystical Verse of Aishah al-Ba'uniyah.

'Aishah al-Ba'uniyyah (d. 923/1517) was an exceptional Muslim scholar. She was a mystic, and a prolific poet and writer, composing more works in Arabic than any other woman prior to the twentieth century. In her writings, 'A'ishah often speaks of her abiding love for God and His prophet Muhammad, and her quest for mystical union. These concerns are central to The Principles of Sufism, a mystical guide book that 'Aishah compiled to help others on this spiritual path. Drawing lessons and readings from a centuries-old Sufi tradition, 'A'ishah advises the seeker to repent of selfishness and turn to a sincere life of love. Fundamental to this transformation is the recollection of both human limitations and God's limitless love. In The Principles of Sufism, 'A'ishah recounts important stages and states on the path toward mystical union, as she urges her readers to surrender themselves to God and willingly accept His loving grace.

**Contents and Sample Pages**