Hadhrat Shahabudin Suhrawardi ‎ ‎رضي الله عنه

Hadhrat Shahabuddin Suhrawardi رضي الله عنه

Hadhrat Shahabuddin Suhrawardi رضي الله عنه commonly known as Sheikh al-ishraq (Master of Illumination), was a prominent Persian philosopher, mystic, and poet. He was born around the year 1155 in the town of Suhraward, near Zanjan in present-day Iran. His lineage traces back to Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddique رضي الله عنه and at an early mastered the Shafi’i and Hanbali madhabs. One of his most notable teachers was the famous Sufi saint , sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رضي الله عنه.

Suhrawardi رضي الله عنه belonged to the school of Islamic philosophy known as Illuminationism (Ishraqi philosophy), which sought to integrate philosophical and mystical elements into Islamic thought.

Suhrawardi's teachings were influenced by various intellectual and spiritual traditions, including Neoplatonism, Aristotelianism, and Sufism. He aimed to bridge the gap between philosophy and mysticism, emphasizing the importance of intuitive knowledge and spiritual illumination alongside rational inquiry. Suhrawardi believed in the existence of spiritual realms and luminous beings, which he referred to as "lights," and he argued that humans could attain higher states of consciousness by aligning themselves with these divine lights.

One of Suhrawardi's notable contributions was his development of a system of metaphysics known as the "Hierarchy of Lights." According to this system, the cosmos is structured hierarchically, with various levels of existence and beings of different degrees of luminosity. Suhrawardi's ideas about the hierarchy of lights had a significant influence on later Sufi and mystical thought.

Suhrawardi's most renowned work is "Hikmat al-Ishraq" or "The Philosophy of Illumination," which is considered a foundational text of Illuminationist philosophy. In this work, he explored various aspects of metaphysics, cosmology, epistemology, and ethics. Suhrawardi wrote in a poetic and metaphorical style, often using allegories (a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one) and symbols to convey his ideas.

Shahabuddin Suhrawardi's teachings and writings had a significant impact on Islamic philosophy and mysticism. His works influenced subsequent philosophers and mystics, including Ibn Arabi and Mulla Sadra. Suhrawardi's ideas continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and spiritual seekers interested in exploring the mystical dimensions of Islamic thought.

"Awarif ul Ma'arif" is another famous book written by the Sufi philosopher and poet, Shahabuddin Suhrawardi. The book is an extensive compendium of Sufi teachings and mystical insights, covering various aspects of spirituality, philosophy, and ethical conduct. It explores the inner dimensions of Islam and offers guidance on the path of spiritual realisation.

The book delves into the nature of Allah the soul, and the cosmos, exploring concepts such as divine light, the spiritual hierarchy, and the stages of spiritual awakening. It offers practical guidance on purifying the heart, cultivating spiritual virtues, and attaining higher states of consciousness. Through stories, parables, and metaphysical reflections, Suhrawardi invites readers to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and union with the Divine.

"Awarif ul Ma'arif" has had a significant impact on the development of Sufism and continues to be a source of inspiration for scholars and seekers. It offers profound insights into the spiritual dimensions of Islam and serves as a guide for those seeking spiritual enlightenment and a deeper understanding of the Divine.