Habib ‘Umar bin Hafiz explains Abu’l-Fath al-Busti’s poem known as “’Unwan al-Hikam” or “the Epitome of Wisdom”. It is full of admonition for the spiritual traveller and contains many insights into human nature. A millennium has passed and its words continue to have their effect.
Habib Umar also continues his explanation of the famous Aphorisms of Imam Ibn Ata’illah, using the commentary of the Hadrami scholar, Shaykh Ali Ba Ras.
The following document contains a translation of “the Epitome of Wisdom” and the Aphorisms to be covered.
The Epitome
of Wisdom
& Selected Aphorisms
Poem:
On Steadfastness
In this short poem, Imam al-Haddad counsels us to be people of sabr (steadfastness or patience). He extols the virtues of steadfastness, gives glad tidings to those who possess this trait and points to its connection to other lofty spiritual stations. He reminds us of the nature of tribulations and their connection to the divine decree. Finally, he calls upon us to emulate the steadfastness of the pious who have gone before and their master, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Habib ‘Umar bin Hafiz is explaining the poem line by line at the beginning of his daily Rawha sessions.