Four Pillars of Spiritual Transformation: The Adornment of the Spiriutally Transformed (Hilyat al-abdal) (Mystical Treatises of Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi)

"Four Pillars of Spiritual Transformation: The Adornment of the Spiritually Transformed (Hilyat al-abdal)" is a seminal work by the renowned Sufi mystic Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi, expertly translated into English for the first time. Composed swiftly during his Meccan period, this concise yet profound text is designed to aid those on the spiritual path toward true happiness. It starts with an engaging anecdote about one of Ibn 'Arabi’s Andalusian companions and progresses to explore the exterior qualities of those who are spiritually transformed, or the abdal.

This work emphasizes the four critical disciplines essential for spiritual seekers: silence, seclusion, hunger, and vigilance, detailing their manifestation in both novices and the spiritually accomplished. "Hilyat al-abdal" is one of Ibn Arabi’s most popular and frequently copied treatises. This edition is not only a critical English translation but also includes a critical edition of the Arabic text based on the best manuscripts, including one contemporaneous with Ibn 'Arabi. The volume also features a comprehensive introduction on the concept of abdal (saints) within Sufism and an additional translation of Chapter 53 from Ibn 'Arabi’s "Futuhat al-makkiyya," which further illuminates the discussed themes. Published in association with the Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi Society, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in Sufi spirituality, Islamic mysticism, or the broader aspects of Islamic theology.