?A?ishah al-Ba?uniyyah (d. 923 H/1517 AD) of Damascus was one of the
great women scholars in Islamic history. A mystic and prolific poet and writer, ?A?ishah composed more works in
Arabic than any other woman before the 20th century. Yet despite her
extraordinary literary and religious achievements, ?A?ishah al-Ba?uniyyah
remains
largely unknown. For the first time her key work, The Principles of
Sufism, is available in English translation.

 

The Principles of Sufism is a mystical guide book to help others on their spiritual
path. She recounts the fundamental stages and states of the spiritual
novice€s transformative journey, emphasizing the importance of embracing both
human limitations and God€s limitless love. Drawing on lessons and readings
from centuries-old Sufi tradition, ?A?ishah advises the seeker to repent of
selfishness and turn to a sincere life of love. In addition to his lucid
translation, Th. Emil Homerin provides an insightful introduction, notes and a glossary
to ?A?ishah al-Ba?uniyyah€s remarkable account of the pursuit of mystical
illumination.