The Book of Sufi Healing

by G.M. Chishti

For the Sufis, the healing of the sick is considered to be the most important of all services to humanity. For the first time in the West, the author presents the secret principles and practices of this divine science, based on the 800-year tradition of the Chishti Order. Among the many topics covered are dietary recommendations of the Prophet, the preparation of herbal formulas, healing with essential oils, illnesses arising at various stages of the soul's evolution, fasting and prayer, talismans, and the "infallible remedy."

Genres: Islam, Spirituality, Self Help, Religion, Health, Alternative Medicine

208 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1985

Reviews

[Laura Hartmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Metaphysical, alchemical, fantastic. It is a cook book, a how-to book, a historical document and a healer's handbook. It is like no other book.

[Gold-Luck]

"The Book of Sufi Healing" by Shaykh Hakim is a fascinating exploration of the traditional healing practices within the Sufi tradition. Shaykh Hakim, a respected Sufi healer, offers readers a detailed look at the spiritual and practical aspects of Sufi healing, combining ancient wisdom with practical techniques to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Summary

The book is divided into several key sections, each focusing on different aspects of Sufi healing:

1. Introduction to Sufi Healing:
- Shaykh Hakim provides an overview of Sufism and its approach to healing, emphasizing the connection between the body, mind, and spirit.
- He discusses the philosophical foundations of Sufi healing, rooted in the belief that true health comes from aligning oneself with divine principles.

2. Spiritual Principles of Healing:
- This section delves into the spiritual principles underlying Sufi healing practices, such as the importance of faith, intention, and divine love.
- Shaykh Hakim explains how these principles are applied to achieve holistic healing and balance in one's life.

3. Healing Techniques:
- The book offers practical guidance on various Sufi healing techniques, including the use of prayers, chants (dhikr), and meditation.
- Shaykh Hakim provides step-by-step instructions for these practices, making them accessible to readers who wish to incorporate them into their daily lives.

4. Herbal and Natural Remedies:
- In addition to spiritual practices, the book explores the use of herbal and natural remedies in Sufi healing.
- Shaykh Hakim shares recipes and instructions for preparing and using various herbs and natural substances to treat common ailments.

5. Case Studies and Examples:
- The book includes numerous case studies and examples of successful healings, illustrating the effectiveness of Sufi healing practices.
- These stories provide practical insights and inspiration for readers interested in exploring Sufi healing for themselves.

Review

"The Book of Sufi Healing" by Shaykh Hakim is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the intersection of spirituality and healing. The book offers a comprehensive overview of Sufi healing practices, blending spiritual teachings with practical techniques in a way that is both informative and accessible.

Strengths:
1. Holistic Approach: The book presents a holistic view of healing, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit.
2. Practical Guidance: Shaykh Hakim provides clear and practical instructions for various healing practices, making it easy for readers to apply these techniques in their own lives.
3. Inspiring Stories: The inclusion of real-life case studies and examples adds depth and authenticity to the book, demonstrating the power of Sufi healing.

Weaknesses:
- Specialized Focus: The book's focus on Sufi healing practices may be too specialized for readers looking for a more general approach to holistic healing.
- Cultural Context: Some readers may find the cultural and religious context of Sufi healing practices challenging to relate to if they are not familiar with Sufism or Islamic traditions.

Conclusion

"The Book of Sufi Healing" by Shaykh Hakim is an enlightening and practical guide to the healing practices of the Sufi tradition. Shaykh Hakim's expertise and compassionate approach make the book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being through the wisdom of Sufi healing. Whether you are a practitioner of Sufism or simply interested in exploring alternative healing methods, this book provides a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to support your journey toward holistic health.

[Kamala Mani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the spiritual principles underpinning Sufi healing, such as faith, intention, and divine love. These are not abstract concepts but are presented as practical tools that can be harnessed to transform the individual’s state of health. Shaykh Hakim explains how prayer, remembrance of God (dhikr), fasting, and recitation of Qur’anic verses serve both as spiritual exercises and as healing modalities. He provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for these practices, making them accessible to readers regardless of their prior experience with Sufism.

The book also delves into the use of herbal and natural remedies, reflecting the Sufi tradition’s integration of spiritual and physical medicine. Shaykh Hakim offers recipes and guidance for the preparation and use of herbs, essential oils, and dietary recommendations. This dual focus on the metaphysical and the material demonstrates the holistic nature of Sufi healing, where spiritual and physical interventions are seen as complementary.

One of the book’s strengths is its inclusion of real-life case studies and examples, which illustrate the effectiveness of Sufi healing practices and lend credibility to the author’s approach. These stories not only provide practical insight but also serve as inspiration for readers who may be seeking alternative or integrative approaches to health.

The Book of Sufi Healing is further enriched by supplementary materials, including glossaries of mystical terms, lists of herbs and their properties, illustrations, and references to Qur’anic verses. This makes the book not only a spiritual guide but also a practical manual for those interested in exploring Sufi healing in depth.

[Wandi Suhendi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sufi merupakan Dokter Spiritual yang paling veteran dalam menangani penyakit secara menyeluruh (bio-psiko-sosio-spiritual) di berbagai zaman karna melibat Allah sebagai sang maha Penyembuh.

seperti apa yang ditulis oleh syekh Maunuddin dalam bukunya ini, menjelaskan apa itu seni penyembuhan sufi (Sufi Healing). sayangnya buku yang saya baca adalah terjemahan, jadi kurang nendang.

[Farah Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting . Still working on some things I dont understand

[Teuta Rizaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real gem!

[Mai · Rating 2 out of 5]

Opposite to my experience when reading "The Healing Code" I found difficulty absorbing the introduced theory in the beginning of the book. The book initially introduces a theory about creation order which is a controversial topic by nature and I personally find the introduced theory does not support much the practices discussed later in the book.

It's important to illustrate how our human bodies are connected and affected by nature but the author chose to present metaphysical assumptions that are difficult to comprehend by individuals outside particular sects; including many Muslims such as myself.

The practices, including diet, and their benefits presented in a later part of the book are to a great extent influenced by the local culture of the author, which is middle and eastern Asia. Many of the food items and spices mentioned were not known in the time of the prophet in the Arab Peninsula.

Not sure about the belief and creation order and theory. That is not an odd idea as for example, it's believed that Christianity is influenced by the ancient Egyptians religion.

[Eressea · Rating 4 out of 5]

非常特別的自然療法書
是伊斯蘭文化中
蘇非行者的醫療思想
其實作者名字中的Chishti就是該道團的稱號
這是一個北印度的蘇非道團
據劍橋插圖伊斯蘭世界史中的介紹
在當地是一個歷史悠久，影響力龐大的道團
最顯著的特色是道團成員不喜歡參與政治事務
不過劍橋的書沒有詳細介紹蘇非的思想
所以呢，我看這本書主要不是想知道
除了看西醫治病之外還有什麼其他的方法保養身體
雖然這部份的內容很好玩
但我覺得方法跟台灣目前風行的自然療法沒有大多差別
都是用精油，食材，吐納等等不是頂特別的方法
但是這些方法的思想依據
就跟我們熟知的自然療法有顯著的不同了
我主要就是想看這個，想知道蘇非在想什麼
但是之前讀土耳其神學大師法土拉葛蘭的"蘇非思想"
全都是神學，實在無法理解
蘇非療愈主要的目的在講療愈
只是每個療法都會解說背後的宗教思想
我比較好吸收
會想要用自然療法的台灣人
大概也不會想到要照著這本書的方法去做
尤其是從第八章開始
講禮拜的益處，阿拉伯文字的力量
古蘭經的奧妙
誦經的特殊方法
沒有信仰的人不會接受
對沒有特定信仰的我
倒是知道很多有趣的東西
撇開這些方法背後的思想體系
世界各地的民俗療法感覺都沒有太大的差別
那些關於阿拉伯字母的特殊意義
還有治病的符文
感覺跟台灣的民間信仰超級像
有些方法根本跟愚民迷信沒啥差別了
難怪近代伊斯蘭復興運動常常拿蘇非開刀
至於對蘇非了解多少，還是不多吧
下次看對岸寫的"伊斯蘭的蘇非神秘主義"
也許會了解更深入些

[Azimah Othman · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it is not so easy to understand I thought the stations of the soul is a rather good piece of thinking.
Food is put under two categories - heating and cooling food. The body has four essence - blood(hot & moist), phlegm (cold & moist) , bilious ( hot & dry) and atra bilious (cold & dry). Understand them and eat right.

The list of food- simple food- and herbal formulas for common ailments are just great. Carrot increases sexual urges... heheh!

The author also espouse the virtue of fasting and the posture in prayers from the medical perspective.

[Eri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough and comprehensive guidance for healing, either physically and spiritually - where both are treated balance and equally - with methods that naturally goes along with our senses, mind, body and soul. Enhancing our thoughts and perspectives on indepth meaning about the life as whole unity, before we're born-in this world-after death.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good health book with diet, breath, posture and systems knowledge

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

a wonderful resource, sure to be referenced many times. a beautiful introduction to sufi healing practices and Islam as a whole. so grateful for this knowledge!