The engagement crown of Ibn 'Atâ' Allâh Al-Iskandarî

The betrothal crown of Ibn Ata Allah Al-Iskandari

The heart is compared to a tree which drinks the water of obedience and whose fruits are perceptions. The eye, on the other hand, results in the appreciation of things, the ear in listening to the Koran, the tongue in practice mentioning God, the hands and feet in going out to do good. If the heart dries up, its fruits disappear. If therefore your heart has become arid, intensify your dhikr and do not be like the sick person who says: "I will not heal myself until I find healing" and who will answer: "Tune will not find healing until that you will not take care of yourself!”

Al-Iskandarî, a famous Sufi and jurist of the 13th century, showed throughout his work a concern for harmony between exotericism and esotericism. The present treaty does not deny it. His writings constitute the first major doctrinal exposition of the Shadilite brotherhood of which he was the third spiritual Master.