The belief that Arabic letters and the 99 Names of God hold vibrational and spiritual power.
Originally titled Shams al-Ma'arif wa Lata'if al-'Awarif , the book is an encyclopedia of "theurgy" (divine magic). Its core topics include:
The Shams al-Ma’arif (The Sun of Knowledge) is arguably the most famous—and infamous—grimoire in the history of the Islamicate world. Attributed to the 13th-century Sufi scholar , the text has long been a source of both fascination and fear. The Current State of English Translations The belief that Arabic letters and the 99
Research-focused sites like the Internet Archive and Scribd host various PDF versions of the original Arabic manuscripts and partial translation guides for historical study. What is the Shams al-Ma’arif About?
Complex mathematical grids used to create talismans for protection, health, or attracting wealth. Attributed to the 13th-century Sufi scholar , the
However, there are several high-quality partial translations and academic resources available:
For centuries, this text was nearly impossible to find in English due to its dense, esoteric Arabic and the taboo nature of its content. Today, while interest is at an all-time high, . Complex mathematical grids used to create talismans for
Rituals for contacting or commanding supernatural beings—a section that has led many orthodox scholars to label the book as dangerous or "black magic". Shams Al Ma'arif - sciphilconf.berkeley.edu
Published in 2021 by Revelore Press , this version by Amina Inloes is the most reputable source for English readers. It provides a scholarly look at the foundational concepts of Islamic occultism, including magic squares and the mystical properties of letters.
A 2023 translation by Johann Voldemont focuses specifically on the practical instructions for magic squares and talismans found in historical manuscripts.