Masnavi-I Ma’navi | Rumi's Teachings | Rhyming Couplets of Profound Spiritual Meaning | Jalal ad-Din Muhammad ar-Rumi | PDF Book Free Download

Rumi's masterwork, titled Masnavi-I Ma’navi, translates to "Rhyming Couplets of Profound Spiritual Meaning." Rumi himself described the Masnavi as "the roots of the roots of the roots of the Islamic Religion." This collection of poetry features a series of meandering anecdotes and narratives drawn from the Quran, hadith, and everyday experiences. Each story serves to convey a moral lesson, which is explored in depth.

The works of Sunyata | Alfred Julius Emmanuel Sorensen | PDF Book Free Download

The works of Sunyata Alfred Julius Emmanuel Sorensen – I came across Alfred Julius Emmanuel Sorensen, more commonly known by his Buddhist name Sunyata, who was referred to as the ‘janam-siddha’ or the ‘rare born mystic,’ a term coined by Ramana Maharshi.
Born in 1890 on a farm in a village near Aarhus, Denmark, which is close to my birthplace, his life took a remarkable turn following an encounter with Rabindranath Tagore in England. This meeting led him to a cave in the Indian Himalayas, where he lived as a Sadhu in seclusion, engaging in meditation and welcoming visitors. In 1973, Sunyata was approached by members of the Allan Watts Society, who invited him to California, despite his insistence that he had no teachings or products to offer. He accepted the invitation and spent his final years in the United States, conducting weekly public sessions. For more information, you can read the Wikipedia article about him here.
Throughout his life, Sunyata interacted with notable figures such as Gandhi, Ramana Maharshi, Anandamayee Ma, Yashoda Ma (Mirtola), Swami Ramdas, and Neem Karoli Baba. He tragically passed away in a car accident in California in 1984. Several books have been published about Sunyata, all derived from a raw 486-page typewritten manuscript, which unfortunately is in poor condition and exceeds 92 MB in size. This document is available primarily for enthusiasts, preservation efforts, and scholarly reference.

In The Shade Of The Quran: Fi Dhilal Al Qur’an | Sayyed Qutb Shaheed | PDF Book Free Download

In The Shade Of The Quran – Fi Dhilal Al Qur’an by Sayyid Qutb encompasses all 18 volumes. Sayyid Qutb is often linked to the ideological foundations of radical Sunni Muslim factions, including al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS). It is widely recognized that Osama bin Laden drew inspiration from various ideas presented in Qutb’s renowned work, Milestones, particularly the notion of “Offensive Jihad.” In this text, Qutb reinterprets the traditionally spiritual concept of Jihad, framing it as a “religious struggle” or “striving in the way of God,” and articulates the necessity of engaging in religious warfare against non-believers. The narrative of Sayyid Qutb is quite captivating, and one may find it worthwhile to explore his experiences in the United States, which significantly influenced his interpretation of the Quran and his perspectives (notably, an American woman attempted to seduce him during his voyage there).
In this context, I have opted to showcase Sayyid Qutb’s extensive work: In The Shade Of The Qur’an. This book serves as a well-crafted modern commentary on the entirety of the Qur'an and is regarded as one of the most thorough and impactful analyses available. Each volume consists of approximately 400 pages. Although I was unable to locate volumes 15-17, I am confident that the available volumes will provide you with many hours of engaging reading.

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Volume 01

Volume 02

Volume 03

Volume 04

Volume 05

Volume 06

Volume 07

Volume 08

Volume 09

Volume 10

Volume 11

Volume 12

Volume 13

Volume 14

Volume 15, 16, 17

Volume 18

The Three Stages of the Self in the Quran | Nejoud Al-Yagout | PDF Book Free Download

The newly released book, The Three Stages of the Self in the Quran, subtitled Spiritual Awakening in Islam with Insights from Various Paths to the One, has just hit the shelves. Authored by Kuwaiti writer, poet, and essayist Nejoud Al-Yagout, who is also the founder of The Interheart Initiative, the book was published mere hours ago. This book delves into the three types of self identified in the Noble Quran: the lower self, the self-blaming ego, and the reassured self, exploring the potential stages of spiritual awakening. Although her background is rooted in Islam, the book also incorporates perspectives from The Holy Bible, The Bhagavad Gita, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Dhammapada, and the Tao Te Ching, along with insights from notable figures such as Rabbi David Rosen, Dadi Janki, Shaykh Abd al Qadir al Jilani, Paramahansa Yogananda, and Karen Armstrong, among others.
You can download the free PDF e-book here (76 pages) – Updated 13/1/2021. This update addresses the first type of nafs in the Quran within the chapter on The Lower Self, clarifying the scholarly debate regarding whether the words in verse 12:53 were spoken by the wife of Prophet Joseph’s master or by Prophet Joseph himself.

What is the portrayal of the concept of self in the Quran?

The notion of self, or "self" as presented in the Quran, is intricate and multi-dimensional, explored in various contexts throughout the scripture. The Quran underscores the significance of self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-discipline as vital elements in an individual's spiritual growth.
One of the fundamental principles in the Quran is Tawheed, which signifies the Oneness of God. This principle forms the foundation for many of the Quran's teachings regarding the self and the connection between individuals and the divine. Tawheed asserts that there is only one true deity, and all that exists in the universe is a manifestation of that deity. Consequently, the self is not viewed as a distinct, autonomous entity but rather as an integral part of the greater whole that is God.
Another significant notion concerning the self in the Quran is the concept of accountability. The Quran instructs that every individual will be answerable for their actions on the Day of Judgment. This focus on accountability aims to motivate individuals to accept responsibility for their deeds and to endeavor to lead lives that are in accordance with God's will.
Furthermore, the Quran highlights the significance of self-control and self-discipline. It encourages individuals to manage their impulses and desires while concentrating on cultivating virtues such as patience, generosity, and humility. The Quran teaches that by mastering oneself, one can also enhance their relationship with God and the world around them.
Additionally, the Quran addresses the nature of the human soul, teaching that the soul is a sacred trust bestowed by God. It emphasizes the necessity of nurturing the soul through good deeds, the pursuit of knowledge, and a deepening connection with God.
In conclusion, the concept of the self in the Quran is intricate and multi-dimensional, with its core ideas encompassing the Oneness of God, accountability for one’s actions, the importance of self-control and discipline, and the responsibility of caring for the soul.