Book Review: Stories of the Prophets

as told by the Master in his Zawiyyah in 1980
Sidi Shaykh Muhammad Sa’id al-Jamal ar-Rifai ash-Shadhdhuli

Book Description:
These stories are lessons for us and stations on the way. Sidi says, “It is now your chance. He created you to be beloved and He holds you hand and gives you the branch of His word. For that reason be strong, be patient and take the teaching form the beloved prophets.” Why did Allah send the prophets, and why did He tell the story of every prophet? To reveal ow every prophet met with difficulty. The prophet does not stop, and nothing forbids him to walk, no matter what he meets. Allah says, “If all the people in the world meet you and forbid you walking to Allah, do not care, but continue if you love Me, cut across these veils, break these walls and navigate these pictures because your Beloved is behind them.” There is a deep meaning in every story.

Book Review:
Stories of the Prophets, as told by Sufi Master and Guide, Sidi Shaykh Muhammad Sa’id al-Jamal ar-Rifai ash Shadhdhuli was first published in Jerusalem in 1979. Sidi dedicated this 2020 edition most sweetly, “To all my holy children who visited me in Jerusalem and to all those who I visited during my travels in America.”

Sidi describes the lives of 20+ holy prophets and extracts for us the deeper meanings of their lives and their teachings to all of humanity on how to face difficult times and rely on Allah completely. This is a book that is light enough to read before bed but deep enough to merit re-reading over and over. Those who come from Jewish roots will appreciate the depth of the story of Musa, (Moses). Those who come from a Christian tradition will be fascinated by the stories of Maryam (Mary, Mother of Jesus), and Isa (Jesus). Those without a grounding in the monotheistic religions will appreciate the depth and breadth of knowledge that comes from reading all the prophets’ lives and missions.

Finally, even seasoned students of Sufism will gain knowledge from the reading. I particularly value, for example, the detailed teaching on the nasut which is embedded in the story of Musa, alayhi-s-salam.

If you would like to purchase this book or any of Sidi’s books as published by Sidi Muhammad Press, go to this site: https://sufimaster.org/store/ Many thanks to Amina al-Jamal, who has dedicated her life to publishing 43 of Sidi’s books (so far) with more books coming as additional teachings are translated from Arabic to English.