The Lantern of the Path

Occasion for presenting this book:

17^th of Rabi‘ al-Awwal, the blessed birth of Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him)

Book Bibliographic Details:

Author: Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him)

Translator: Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri, Muna Haeri Bilgrami

Publisher: ‎ Zahra Publications

Length: 226 pages

Language: English

ISBN: 978-1928329091

Publication date: 1 Feb 2019

About the Author:

Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq, the author of The Lantern of the Path, was a highly influential divine leader and scholar who lived in the eighth century. Revered by both Sunni and Shia schools of thought, he’s considered one of the greatest imams in Islamic history and is the founder of the Ja’fari school of jurisprudence. Imam Al-Sadiq dedicated his life to interpreting divine utterances and tackling complex theological issues like free will and predestination.

About the Book:

In his book, The Lantern of the Path, Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq offers a profound and insightful guide to Islamic spirituality and jurisprudence. The text, a cornerstone of early Islamic thought, delves into the ethical and moral principles that govern a Muslim’s life, illuminating the path towards a deeper connection with God. This concise volume, comprising ninety-nine chapters, acts as a useful guide for those who wish to cultivate their inner being. Each chapter is a threshold to the next, guiding the reader through a broad spectrum of timeless wisdom, much like a lantern along the path of reality.

Imam Al-Sadiq, a revered figure in both Sunni and Shia traditions, addresses a wide range of topics, including the nature of knowledge, the importance of piety, and the true meaning of worship. He illuminates the inner meanings of outer practices, which range from everyday acts of behaviour to practices of worship, morals, ethics, and the pillars of religion. Through a series of concise yet powerful teachings, he provides a practical framework for navigating the complexities of the world while maintaining spiritual integrity, making the book a timeless source of wisdom for believers seeking to enrich their faith and practice. With its accompanying commentary, students and adepts alike can gain a profounder understanding of these timeless teachings from the wellspring of the heart of Islam.

About the translators:

The English translation of The Lantern of the Path was a collaborative effort initiated by Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri and completed by his daughter, Muna Haeri Bilgrami. Muna describes the task as both difficult and complex, and she was assisted by several scholars. A formal translation by Aisha Abdar-Rahman al-Tarjumana was used as a base, with Muhsin Muzaffar helping to clarify difficult words. The final version was then reviewed and edited by Asadullah adh-Dhakir Yate and Christopher Flint.

Where to find it:

You can find the book at one of the online bookstores below:

• Hujjat Bookshop
• Shia Books Australia
• Al-Islam.org
• AbeBooks
• Al-Burāq Publications
• Amazon