Ibn Ataa’ Allah’s Aphorisms (al-Hikam): Contemporary Reflections ✍️

The aphorisms of Ibn Ataa’ Allah al-Sakandari—over 250 timeless sayings—stand among the most profound spiritual legacies in Islamic tradition. Rooted in a Sufi understanding of the soul, they outline a path toward salvation, inner clarity, and a sound connection with Almighty Allah.

Many scholars have translated these aphorisms into several languages, especially English. Yet in this series, The Muslim Tribune attempts to offer something different: a modern, gentle, and reflective commentary—simple in language, deep in meaning, and relevant to our fast-paced reality. Our aim is not only to explain them, but to help their wisdom change lives, soften hearts, and guide souls back to their Creator.

At The Muslim Tribune, we believe that most of life’s pains stem from an aching spiritual state. Our hearts carry wounds long before our bodies do. And the first step toward healing is to revive the spiritual dimension within ourselves—mending our inner ties with our hearts, our purpose, and ultimately, with Allah.

Through these commentaries, we hope to present Ibn Ataa’s Hikam in a way that is easy to grasp and easier to practice—a way that allows their meanings to settle into daily life, calming the inner storm and grounding the soul with certainty in God’s guidance, timing, and care.

We ask Allah to bless this journey, accept this effort, and allow these reflections to reach every heart that seeks Him.

Wassalaam.

Aphorisms & Translations

Below are the first 16 aphorisms—presented in clear formatting, faithful to the original text.

1.

One of the signs of relying on one’s own deeds is the loss of hope when a downfall occurs.

2.

Your desire for isolation, even though God has placed you in the world to earn a living, is a hidden passion. And your desire to earn a living in the world, even though God has placed you in isolation, is a fall from lofty aspiration.

3.

Antecedent intentions (sawābiq al-himam) cannot pierce the walls of predestined Decrees.

4.

Relieve yourself from self-direction, for what Someone Else has undertaken on your behalf, you must not attempt to carry yourself.

5.

Your striving after what has already been guaranteed to you, and your neglect of what is demanded from you, are signs of a blurred intellect.

6.

If, despite your intense supplication, there is a delay in the timing of the Gift, let that not drive you to despair. For He has guaranteed you a response—in what He chooses for you, not in what you choose for yourself, and at the time He wills, not the time you desire.

7.

If what was promised does not occur, even though its appointed time has arrived, do not let this cause you to doubt the promise. Otherwise, your intellect will be obscured, and the light of your inner heart extinguished.

8.

If He opens a door for you and makes Himself known, do not be concerned if your deeds fall short. For He did not open that door except out of His desire to make Himself known to you…

9.

Actions differ because the inspirations behind states of being differ.

10.

Actions are lifeless forms, but the presence of the inner reality of sincerity within them is what gives them life and spirit.

11.

Bury your existence in the soil of obscurity, for whatever sprouts without having first been buried, blossoms imperfectly.

12.

Nothing benefits the heart more than a spiritual retreat in which it enters the field of reflection.

13.

How can the heart be illuminated while the forms of creation are reflected in its mirror?…

14.

The Cosmos is all darkness. It is illumined only by the manifestation of God within it…

15.

That which shows you the existence of His Omnipotence is that He veiled you from Himself by what has no existence alongside Him.

16.

How can it be imagined that something veils Him, when He is the One who manifests all things?…