The Qūt al-qulūb is considered the first systematic manual of Sufism. It covers:
Saeko Yazaki, in her pivotal study Islamic Mysticism and Abu Talib al-Makki: The Role of the Heart , extensively analyzes how al-Makkī used the metaphorical image of the heart to explain the nature of Sufism. She highlights that for al-Makkī, spiritual knowledge is not an accumulation of facts; it is a light whose effect must be reflected in one's behavior. This focus on the heart made the book profoundly influential, not only among Sufis but also among Ḥanbalī jurists and even Jewish scholars. Yazaki's research also explores a fascinating potential link between al-Makkī's work and the famous Jewish ethical treatise Al-Hidāya ilā Farāʾiḍ al-Qulūb ( The Guide to the Duties of the Heart ) by Ibn Baqūda, suggesting a cross-religious dialogue on the nature of inner piety. qut al qulub english pdf
: Research papers exploring the history and impact of Qut al-Qulub on early Sufism can be found on Academia.edu and ResearchGate . 2. Original Text & Full Editions (Arabic) The Qūt al-qulūb is considered the first systematic