The Fragrant Scent: On the Knowledge of Motivating Thoughts and Other Such Gems

The Fragrant Scent is the first English translation of the work of the great eighteenth-century scholar Sayyid Abd al-Rahman al-Aydarus. The book is a meditation on the fleeting thoughts that pass through the mind of the spiritual wayfarer, and the author’s aim is to provide guidance for those on the spiritual path. The author draws on a rich selection of authoritative sources to answer key questions about the wayfarer’s experiences, including the Qur’an, the Hadith, Ghazali, Jilani and Abu Madyan. This concise, yet wide-ranging treatise covers topics such as the different types of passing thoughts and their causes, knowledge of the soul and finding the perfect spiritual guide, as well as the necessity of retreat and practicing one’s knowledge. Aydarus was a follower of the famous Ba Alawi Sufi order from Hadhramaut in southern Yemen known for its piety and careful observance of the Shari?a. The Fragrant Scent reflects the Ba Alawi order’s emphasis on maintaining a balance between the inner and outer worlds, making the work an accessible entry point to understanding the profound spiritual insights and everyday practice of Sufism.