A Monumental Anthology of Islamic Mysticism: Showcasing the Depth and Diversity of Sufi Thought Across Civilizations

Tasavvuf Risaleleri. Anonymous. Mid-18th century. Written in black soot ink with red highlights on polished paper. 23 treatises in various scripts, predominantly sülüs and nesih. 451 pages. 24 x 17 cm. Likely compiled in Istanbul for an elite audience, the collection showcases the richness of Islamic spiritual and intellectual tradition. Very good condition.

This monumental manuscript collection is a treasure trove of Islamic mysticism, offering unparalleled insight into the spiritual, philosophical, and intellectual diversity of Sufism. Spanning the Andalusian Sufi traditions of Spain, the schools of Baghdad and Damascus, the spiritual heritage of Anatolia, and the mystical thought of Maveraünnehir, this anthology brings together the essence of Islamic mysticism from across the Islamic world. It captures the thoughts and teachings of some of the greatest Islamic mystics, including Niyazi Mısri, Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, Yunus Emre, and Ibn Arabi.

Unlike other collections that often adhere to a single author or perspective, this anthology uniquely unites the major mystical traditions and perspectives of the Islamic world, forming an intellectual and spiritual bridge across centuries and geographies. Its extraordinary content reflects the pinnacle of Ottoman-era manuscript production, meticulously transcribed from earlier sources and enriched with genealogies, symbolic diagrams, and calligraphy.

The collection not only documents the philosophies of wahdat al-wujud (unity of existence) but also explores broader spiritual principles and practices that shaped the mystical life of the Islamic world. Many manuscripts within the collection are known only in their original forms, further underscoring its rarity and scholarly value.

Contents include:

1. Dilkusha-i Sultan Kaygusuz

A detailed treatise on Kaygusuz Abdal’s life and philosophy, emphasizing his harmony with Islamic principles and Sufi spirituality.

2. Risale-i Muhammad Nasafi

Foundational Sufi teachings such as taharah (purity), dhikr (remembrance), and tawakkul (trust), supported by Qur’anic verses and hadiths.

3. Declaration of Imam Hussein’s Descendants

An exploration of Byzantine graves in Istanbul, linking them to the lineage of Imam Hussein with historical evidence.

4. Ashab-i Kiram in Istanbul

Discusses the virtues and contributions of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions buried in Istanbul, emphasizing their spiritual legacy.

5. Kitab-ı Noktatü’l-Beyan

A guide to achieving happiness in this life and the hereafter, focusing on Sufi worship practices and ethics.

6. Lübbü’l-Leb by Ismail Hakkı

A Turkish translation of an Arabic treatise explaining shari’ah, tariqa, and haqiqa through Sufi perspectives.

7. Saadetname-i Hukema

Provides ethical and spiritual principles for jurists and statesmen, grounded in Sufi concepts of maturity, honesty, and justice.

8. Uyunü’l-Hidaye

Outlines the spiritual journey towards paradise within the Mevlevi order, emphasizing its Sufi principles.

9. Hadith of Erbain

Commentary on forty hadiths believed to guide individuals to paradise through memorization and practice.

10. Maribi Commentary

Discusses human creation and morality, highlighting humanity’s divine purpose as the supreme creation.

11. Virani Baba’s Philosophy

Explores Bektashi dervish beliefs, rituals, and iconography, including hilye-style illustrations of significant Islamic figures.

12. Wahdat al-Wujud by Niyazi Misri

Interprets the philosophy of unity of existence (wahdat al-wujud) within Sunni beliefs, expressed through poetry.

13. Refii’s Methods

A treatise on shari’ah, tariqa, and haqiqa, shedding light on the organization of the Sufi path.

14. Sari Abdullah Efendi’s Work

Investigates Sufi principles as articulated by Sari Abdullah Efendi, a prominent Mevlevi scholar.

15. Matla’ül-Ishrak

A poetic interpretation of Meslekü’l-Uşşak, blending poetry with mystical insights.

16. Sharh-ü Sad by Hz. Ali

Examines the mystical symbolism of the Arabic letter Sad within Shiite Sufi traditions.

17. Silsilename-i Ulviyye

Chronicles the genealogy of Junaid-i Baghdadi, founder of the Junaidiyya Sufi order.

18. Mystical Commentary by Misri Efendi

Analyzes Sadreddin Konevi’s couplets, revealing their deep mystical meanings.

19. Refutation by Niyazi Misri

Defends traditional Sufi principles by critiquing the deviant views of Ismail Efendi.

20. Commentary on Surah Baqarah

Explores Sufi interpretations of specific verses in the Qur’an’s second chapter.

21. Tawhid and Dhikrullah

Summarizes Niyazi Misri’s sermons on tawhid (unity), dhikrullah (remembrance of God), and spiritual development.

22. Misri’s Explanation of Quranic Numbers

Details the symbolic meanings of surah numbers and letters in Sufi and Islamic contexts.

23. Commentary on Yunus Emre

A comprehensive commentary on Yunus Emre’s poetry, offering insights into Anatolian mysticism and Islamic spirituality.

——— This unparalleled anthology unites the wisdom of Andalusia, the scholarly traditions of Baghdad and Damascus, the spiritual insights of Anatolia, and the mystical depth of Maveraünnehir. It represents a vital contribution to the preservation of Islamic mysticism’s intellectual and spiritual heritage. An essential resource for scholars, historians, and anyone seeking to understand the multifaceted nature of Islamic mystical traditions, this collection offers an extraordinary lens through which to view the unity and diversity of Sufi thought across time and geography.