Physicians of the Heart: A Sufi View of the 99 Names of Allah

by Wali Ali Meyer, Bilal Hyde, Faisal Muqaddam

A Sufi View of the 99 Names of Allah

Genres: Islam, Spirituality, Religion, Nonfiction, Philosophy

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Rahima Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very rich, deep guide to inner work including spiritual and psychological aspects woven together. It is based on the Sufi view of the 99 Names of Allah, which I would call Aspects of the Divine Human Nature. Anyone who has been doing their inner work for a while could reap rich rewards from reading this book.

As part of the explication of the "Names," it also reveals the amazing complex subtlety of the Arabic language, without overwhelming the reader with too many linguistic details. I should point out that it is written in lucid, compelling English.

It is an incredible resource to be savored bit by bit, meditated upon, and returned to many times. The Names can be used as a focus for meditation or zikr (chanting) and they are the Physicians of the Heart, bringing us healing and enlightening of our hearts and souls. Guidance on how to make use of the Names is included.

[KD · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the most thorough book on the 99 names of Allah that I've read so far. It's very accessible for a western audience, and it gives a lot of linguistic background on the Arabic that helps to show deep meanings of each name as well as connections among the names. My only criticism is that it's written more for Sufi teachers/therapists than for students or those using the book on their own. I would have liked a little more detail on how to actually USE the names in recitation.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read; heart-opening, transcendent, deeply transformative. Written by a group of Sufi scholars, I am in awe of their dedication, devotion, love, and knowledge. I loved learning more about the Arabic language, was delighted by the book's website where you can hear the names pronounced by several speakers, and found that just reading the book was a deep meditation. Despite the depth of the content, the authors write in an engaging, accessible style. It really was a pleasure to read. Now that I've finished the book I have every intention of starting again at the beginning!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful introduction to the names, groups by their relationship (e.g. 3 names associated with forgiveness). Helpful to work through specific issues, personal development.

[Ferzin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Physicians of the Heart is a thoroughly researched, multi-dimensional and accessible manual for utilizing the 99 Names of God as a means to heal mind and soul.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful piece of art and tool to get deep into the mastery and mystery of the Heart

The high level of guiadance found in every piece, patience and coherence. I found care, and LOVE!!!! Gratitude and refinement.

[Jude Arnold]

http://www.physiciansoftheheart.com/

Just got my new hardbound copy of this beautiful, beautiful book!

[Ilona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, even though it took me many months to finish. So, first and foremost, I recommend it to better understand the 99 Names. The style is engaging, and you can feel a lot of devoted discussions, contemplation, and love behind it.

What I appreciated a lot while reading was the many references to Arabic and its structure. As a lifelong student of Arabic, I was really excited. However, what should have been a key became a veil for me. Firstly, the transliteration of Arabic terms is, how to say it nicely, a little bit weird. The book's copious linguistic references created many problems for my reading because I am not a native speaker, and I had to double-check what the authors really meant in Arabic. Another issue I faced with the References (sources of information). As the citations are limited and the endnotes relate mostly to the Quranic quotes, after thorough cross-checking and consulting key Arabic dictionaries, it turned out that many terms presented as etymological and lexical are actually more devotional and symbolic. Of course, it doesn’t diminish their depth and beauty (and they have been transferred across the centuries in Sufi treatises), but for the language nerds, it could lead to confusion. I couldn’t move on to the meaning without first clearing up the language part. But I think it is not the issue for non-Arabic speakers or native speakers.

Despite all of this, I still think the book is amazing, and I am happy and grateful I read it. I will definitely come back to some parts in the future.

[Eva PS]

This is a reference book to look to for my meditations.
I made my way through the names in this book so eloquently presents the names meanings and opposites.

[Halimah]

one of 3 books reading for class

[Seema · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unbelievably beautiful book - one of the best I have ever come across. Now if we could combine this with the enneagram work that would be something! A book to come back to again and again, and each time be gifted with something new. A real treasure of work on the 99 Treasures. So thankful to the teachers that wrote/experienced this.
Also, it's a hefty size so I bought it on kindle too, the calligraphy looks great!

[Maurice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by four Sufi authorities, it is well written and well researched. My friends and I have spent over 2 years reading and discussing it, which I am sure will continue into the future.

[Karima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not accurate to say I "finished" this book on such-and-such a day. This book is a lifetime endeavor. And such a life!
Beautiful. Just Beautiful.

[Masood Alam]

I can't read or see anything cause nothing is shown from this book.