Question:
salamu alaykum,
Is the book Sirra al-Asrar of Shaykh Abdal Qadir Jilani authentically reported from him ? Is the book we have today authentic from him ?
Answer:
Wa `alaykum as-Salam wa rahmatullah,
I know of no doubt concerning the attribution of Sirr al-Asrar to the Ghawth al-`Azam – may Allah sanctify his secret – although there are, of course, other books with this same title. Moreover, it may be said that the book in question is integral to the understanding of this great saint’s other writings.
On the subject of writings attributed to the greatest saints, it is perhaps worth observing that even when an attribution is historically unlikely, there may exist less obvious reasons for the persistence of claimed authorship. To identify a book as belonging to the legacy of a saint places it within the sphere of concern of students dedicated to that legacy, and such books may be especially beneficial for such students. Less obvious still is the “stabilizing” of certain writings of an occult character by their attachment to the names of the saints, thereby serving to remind students of the need for sanctity in approaching such subjects.
Despite their historical separation, the very great Naqshbandi-Qadiri Amir `Abdul-Qadir al-Jaza’iri could consult with the Shaykh al-Akbar, may Allah sanctify their secrets, concerning the Greatest Master’s writings, and the matter of authentic attribution was naturally addressed in the course of their association. Their spiritual relationship no doubt provides a clear example of how certainty may be attained in such matters. If we are unable to follow such an example, it is better not to refuse guidance belonging to the legacy of a saint; even if an attribution is uncertain, the intention of the student to be careful with his manners places him safely in the care of the Guide.
Mahmoud Shelton
