Martin Lings Books

Martin Lings’ biography of Muhammad is an internationally acclaimed, comprehensive, and authoritative account of the life of the prophet. Based on the sira, the eighth- and ninth-century Arabic biographies that recount numerous events in the prophet’s life, it contains original English translations of many important passages that reveal the words of men and women who heard Muhammad speak and witnessed the events of his life.Scrupulous and exhaustive in its fidelity to its sources, Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources is presented in a narrative style that is easily comprehensible, yet authentic and inspiring in its use of language, reflecting both the simplicity and grandeur of the story it tells. This revised edition includes new sections detailing the prophet’s expanding influence and his spreading of the message of Islam into Syria and its neighboring states. It represents the final updates made to the text before the author’s death in 2005. The book has been published in 12 languages and has received numerous awards, including acknowledgment as best biography of the prophet in English at the National Seerate Conference in Islamabad.

This is an anthology of 25 essays by the leading exponents of the perennialist school of comparative religious thought. It aims to be the most accessible introduction yet to the perspective of the Perennial Philosophy.

Shakespeare's essential greatness is clarified by placing his plays in the broad context of sacred art and showing his preoccupation with the quest for human perfection and the mystery of sanctification. In The Secret of Shakespeare, Martin Lings "says more to reveal the quintessence of Shakespeare's greatness than the most laborious exposition could ever do". -- Kathleen Raine

Exploring the significance of symbols across cultures and time, this volume delves into the common meanings that shape various religious traditions and metaphysical worldviews. It presents a compelling theory on the essential role of symbolism in human life, examining its relation to Divinity, the universe's hierarchy, human faculties, and the natural world. Featuring a 9th century Quranic manuscript, the work particularly emphasizes Christianity and Islam while addressing broader themes relevant to the great living religions.

This work concentrates on the life and writings of Shaikh Ahmad al-Alawi (d. 1934). It is an excellent introduction to the intellectual and practical sides of Sufism and has been considered as one of the most thorough studies on the subject produced by a Western scholar.

Sufi Poems is a selection of poems from the golden period of Sufism especially chosen and translated from the Arabic by the distinguished scholar Dr Martin Lings. Bilingual Arabic-English edition.

Exploring the themes of Sufism, Martin Lings reflects on the spiritual significance of earthly experiences as mere shadows of divine realities. He emphasizes that true blessings are found in the celestial realm, while the beauty of this world hints at a greater source. Lings articulates the role of art in capturing these transcendent qualities, suggesting that it reveals the "wings" of earthly objects that connect them to their divine origins. This collection includes three previously unpublished poems that embody these profound insights.

In this, one of his last works, Martin Lings discusses the significance of the pilgrimage to Mecca, made annually by several million Muslims, in the light of the tradition of Abraham. Drawing upon his own experience of performing the pilgrimage first in 1946 and then in 1978, as well referring to the traditional sources, he considers the timeless spiritual meaning of the Hajj, which was proclaimed and established by Abraham and Ishmael and renewed by the Prophet Muhammad, in the context of its long history and comes to some surprising conclusions.

What do Sufis believe? What do they aim at? What do they do? Unlike other writers on the subject, Martin Lings treats all the three questions with equal justice. This classic work on Sufism has been used as set book in colleges worldwide and has been translated into five languages.

Exploring the intersection of Shakespeare's major plays with universal metaphysics and psychology, this collection of unpublished lectures by Martin Lings offers profound insights into their spiritual significance. Lings, a noted Shakespearean scholar and Sufi master, delves into the mystical and alchemical symbolism present in the works, revealing deeper layers of meaning and eschatological themes. His unique perspective invites readers to appreciate the timeless relevance of Shakespeare's artistry through a spiritual lens.