The Sun of Knowledge (Shams al-Ma'arif) stands among the most influential and enduring grimoires of the Islamic world. Composed in the thirteenth century by the renowned Sufi mystic and occult philosopher Ahmad al-Buni, it has long occupied a unique place within the Arabic esoteric tradition, revered by practitioners, debated by religious authorities, and surrounded by centuries of legend.
Far more than a manual of magical operations, the Shams al-Ma'arif presents a comprehensive vision of Islamic esotericism, bringing together sacred cosmology, astrology, the science of letters (ʿilm al-ḥurūf), numerology, talismanic construction, angelic and jinn-related operations, and the mystical applications of the Divine Names and the Qur'an. Its influence has extended across North Africa, the Middle East, and the wider Islamicate world for centuries, establishing it as one of the most celebrated works of Arabic occult literature.
This carefully selected English translation offers an accessible introduction to the vast original text. Included are chapters on the mysteries of the Arabic letters, astrological timings, lunar mansions, planetary correspondences, traditional Arab stellar lore, the angels associated with the four seasons, methods of working with the jinn, the occult use of the Divine Names, the construction of the legendary Ring of Solomon, and a rich collection of talismans and magical formulae.
Enhanced with illustrations, original artwork, and scholarly commentary, this edition provides both historical context and practical insight, making it an invaluable resource for students of ceremonial magic, Islamic esotericism, classical astrology and astronomy, Sufism, and the history of the occult.