Sirr al-Asrar (The Secret of Secrets) is one of the most influential spiritual treatises in Sufism, attributed to the 12th-century Persian scholar and saint, Sheikh Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani , the founder of the Qadiriyya order. Overview of the Work
Content and Structure
Introduction
By the 12th century, it was translated into Latin (as the Secretum Secretorum) and Hebrew. It became a bestseller in medieval Europe. Kings, including Edward III of England, owned copies. The text was unique because it wasn't purely philosophical; it was practical. It told a king what to eat, how to sleep, and which planetary hours to use for battle.
The text is a cornerstone of medieval "mirror for princes" literature, blending practical governance with occult philosophy.
Why Read It Today?
- For Historians: It shows how classical Greek knowledge (filtered through Arabic thought) shaped both Islamic and Christian medieval governance.
- For Esotericists: It is a primary source for traditional astrology, magical squares, and "high magic" theory.
- For Leaders & Psychologists: The physiognomy and ethics chapters offer a fascinating pre-modern approach to personality assessment and leadership.