Sacred Laughter of the Sufis: Awakening the Soul with the Mulla's Comic Teaching Stories and Other Islamic Wisdom

by Jamal Rahman

A first-of-its-kind combination of the legendary wisdom stories of Islam's great comic foil with spiritual insights for seekers of all traditions―or none. "We would do well to heed the Mulla's wisdom. One day, inevitably, our personal storms will not abate before causing destruction. Something will break our hearts and cause us to ask deeper questions. At that point we will become spiritual seekers, each in our own way.... We will begin to hear deep inside the mysterious calling of our soul to fulfill the purpose for which we were created."
―from the chapter "The Storms in Our Lives" The mythical Mulla Nasruddin is a village simpleton and sage rolled into one. His wisdom stories, timeless and placeless, emanate from a source beyond book learning, and contain several layers of meaning. In this unique presentation, Imam Jamal Rahman weaves together spiritual insights with the Mulla's humorous teaching stories and connects them to the issues at the heart of the spiritual quest. Addressing such topics as human vulnerability, the rigors of inner and outer spiritual work, the hazards of the ego and more, he roots the Mulla’s stories in Islamic spirituality by pairing them with sayings from the Qur’an, the Prophet Muhammad, Rumi, Hafiz and other Islamic sages. Together, these sources combined with spiritual practices will awaken your spirit with laughter and inspire you to transform yourself and the world around you.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Spirituality

180 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2014

Reviews

[Sarah Lameche · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. There is so much more to Islam than rituals and rules which sadly many people seem to have forgotten. The heart of Islam is exactly that. The heart. Feelings, appreciation, gratefulness and love. People need to get back to the root of this beautiful religion. Stop judging others, open your heart and let's be who we are really meant to be.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A splendid collection of stories and meditations on spiritual practice to cultivate our souls, Jamal Rahman delivers another beautiful and life-loving volume. Recommended for individuals and small spiritual groups.

[Manuela Modos · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you feel your belief systems are letting you down in life and contributing to a sense of unfulfilment or unhappiness then learning the ways of the sufis will Inspire you to laugh more, love more and let go of heaviness

[Ktbird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and calming in this time that is anything but.

[Willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a complete delight! So deep, profound, and light hearted! Thank you Jamal Rahman!

[Starsandtales · Rating 4 out of 5]

One word to define this book for me: 'Calm'.

[Iqra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never lose hope, my heart. Miracles dwell in the Invisible. If the whole world turns against you Keep your eyes on the Friend.

[HeyItsKarima · Rating 4 out of 5]

[4.5]

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this. What a wonderful, enlightening, and delightful book.

[YouMo Mi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for spiritual seekers. Eschews preachiness and apologetics for genuine reflection through humor (primarily Mullah Nasruddin insights). Particularly liked the critique of religious institutions in a funny, insightful, and spiritual way.

[Claire Binkley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like how this book was set up like The Artist's Way! It is dripping with Islamic jibes, though. The title warned me, but it really is just a religious book not unlike the myriads of Catholic books my parents love.

It's not at all hateful! So for that reason I can't dislike it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring read!