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.

The book offers an insightful portrayal of the daily lives and spiritual practices of a group of Muslim mystics known as Sufis, utilizing firsthand sources that were previously unavailable to Western audiences. It delves into the unique aspects of Sufi culture and beliefs, providing readers with a deeper understanding of their mystical traditions and the context in which they operate. The vivid descriptions illuminate the richness of Sufi life, making it an invaluable resource for those interested in Islamic mysticism.

Highlighting the breadth of Martin Lings' scholarship, this collection features key writings on perennial philosophy, Islam, and Sufism. It includes his influential biography of the Prophet Muhammad, insights into the life of Sufi master Ahmad al-Alawi, and his notable work on Quranic calligraphy. Additionally, Lings' celebrated translations of Sufi poetry and explorations of Shakespeare's spiritual themes, particularly in Hamlet, showcase his deep understanding of mysticism and literature.

Dernière Révélation en date, l'Islam affirme être un retour à la religion primordiale. Il constitue par ailleurs un pont entre l'Orient et l'Occident. On comprend la portée du soufisme - la forme qu'a prise la mystique en Islam - qui se définit comme une "saveur", et dont le but est la connaissance directe des vérités divines. Ce livre, inédit en français, présente son histoire millénaire et son actualité, son originalité et son universalité, son but et sa méthode, dans leur ampleur et dans leur pureté.