The Illuminated Prayer: The Five-Times Prayer of the Sufis

This slender book contains profound insights into the nature and essence of prayer. Based largely on the teachings of Shaikh Bawa Muhaiyaddeen (? -1986), a Sufi Shaikh from Sri Lanka who lived and taught from Philadelphia for the last 15 years of his life....[my original text removed by Amazon apparently because they judged it a promotion of the Shaikh. It was a link to his website and not intended as a promotion.]While written in the context of Muslim prayers, it's relevant to prayer in all religions. It is also an excellent guide to salat - ritual prayer in Islam.The book explains in detail (with pictures) the various steps in salat. But more than that it relates the times of prayer and steps within prayer to spiritual development and awareness. And it is here that the real value of the book comes forth.Using this as a base, the authors then describe a meditative prayer exercise - similar to Vedic "follow the breath" meditations.In short this is not an academic description of prayer or theory but an invitation to readers to embark on the path.The only negative - and this is a very very minor quibble - is with some of the transliterations of Arabic and grammatical comments.

I know I will read this over and over, keep it by my bedside and probably travel with it as well. I could have used it years ago when I first became a new Muslim. It is a gift. It is a treasure.

I love this book. I found it in a book store and decided to buy it on Amazon to get a cheaper price. It is a beautiful, simple and extremely enjoyable guide to prayer. It has thoughtful and touching images on every single page, and guides you through the steps of prayer in the Muslim or Sufi way. I feel this prayer practice is appropriate for all faiths, however. Performing this prayer, in the right way, meaing with the intention to reach God, leads to stable calm and sustainable peace throughout your day. The practice is not too strenuous, though it does require effort and mindfullness, which makes it worth all the more. Highly recommended!

This has been an excellent book from years past and only gets better with age. Can't think of anyone who wouldn't enjoy this book.

No comments.

1st copy ever owned. i used to check this book out frequently from the library. i love the illustrations. it makes for a very comforting read.

This is an extraordinary collaboration by poet and illustrator. It is a true blessing. One can see the beauty and significance of Islamic prayer. The commentary is sprinkled with renditions of Rumi and Bawa. THE ILLUSTRATED RUMI is an excellent sequel.

Such an incredible book! It opens your heart, makes you feel the light of God. I have read many books and this is the best on prayer yet!

Original and good luck with Amazon

Can't wait to read the book!