Kashf al-Mahjub: Revealing the Secrets of Sufism: Introduction

In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. We begin with a prayer for mercy and guidance from the Almighty. Praise be to God, who has unveiled the mysteries of His kingdom to His beloved saints and granted His chosen ones the taste of divine communion. It is through His grace that hearts are revived, and seekers of truth find solace in the knowledge of His names.

Let us also send peace and blessings upon His Messenger, Muhammad, his family, companions, and wives. With these words, Ali b. Uthman al-Jullabi al-Ghaznawi al-Hujwiri, may God be pleased with him, presents his seminal work, "Kashf al-Mahjub," titled "The Revelation of the Mystery."

The author begins by seeking God's blessings and purifying his intentions, dedicating himself to fulfilling the readers' desires through this book. He acknowledges that placing his name at the beginning serves two purposes: one general and the other specific.

In the general sense, it is to prevent others from claiming authorship of his work, as he has experienced this misfortune before. By associating his name with the book, he ensures that his efforts are recognized and honored by readers and students. The author recalls instances where his works were tampered with and his name was removed, causing his labor to be in vain. Thus, he emphasizes the importance of preserving the author's identity and giving due credit.

In the particular sense, the author highlights that readers are more likely to appreciate and engage with a book when they know the author is knowledgeable and well-versed in the subject matter. By declaring his name at the beginning, he establishes his authority and expertise, inviting readers to explore the depths of his insights and wisdom.

The author continues by explaining his intentions in writing this book. He recognizes the veils that shroud mankind's understanding of spiritual truth, which are lifted only for God's saints and chosen friends. His work, "Kashf al-Mahjub," aims to elucidate the path of truth, unveil mystical sayings, and transcend the limitations of mortal existence. No other title could capture the essence of this book more fittingly than "The Revelation of the Mystery."

The author draws a distinction between two types of veils: the "veil of covering" and the "veil of clouding." The former, inherent to one's essence, renders truth and falsehood indistinguishable. The latter, pertaining to one's attributes, can be removed through spiritual practice and self-transformation. The author's book is designed to guide those whose hearts are clouded by the veil of attributes, enabling them to discover the path to spiritual reality. However, those who deny truth and indulge in falsehood will find no benefit in its teachings.

Moving forward, the author addresses the question posed by Abu Sa'id al-Hujwiri, the seeker of knowledge. Abu Sa'id seeks an explanation of Sufism's true meaning, the stations (maqamat) of the Sufis, their doctrines and sayings, mystical allegories, the nature of Divine Love, and the practical aspects of Sufism. With this question, the author embarks on the journey of unraveling the mysteries and intricacies of Sufism.

In conclusion, we delve into the profound work of Ali b. Uthman al-Jullabi al-Hujwiri, "Kashf al-Mahjub," which sheds light on the path of Sufism and offers insights into the esoteric aspects of spiritual reality. This book serves as a guide for seekers, leading them through the veils of ignorance to the unveiling of divine secrets.

Join us on this transformative expedition as we explore the depths of Sufi wisdom and embark on a journey of self-discovery.