Shams al-Ma’arif stands as a monumental work in the history of esotericism. It challenges the modern dichotomy between religion and magic, offering a worldview where language is the fabric of reality and the human soul is capable of interacting with the divine command.
While the text remains controversial, its historical significance is undeniable. Whether viewed as a dangerous grimoire or a lofty manual of spiritual realization, The Sun of Knowledge continues to illuminate the depths of Islamic mystical tradition. The modern dissemination of the English PDF ensures its continued study, urging scholars to look beyond the talismans and squares to the sophisticated Sufi metaphysics that underpins them.
Q1: Is the "Shams al-Ma'arif English PDF" safe to read on my phone? No. Traditional occultists advise never storing the text on a device you keep in your bedroom, as the names written in the PDF are considered "active entities." Academically, it is safe, but psychologically, the content is disturbing.
Q2: Can I learn to summon Jinn from this PDF? The PDF contains the names, but not the Sultan (control names) which are missing from most English versions. Attempting summoning without the Sultan is like removing the safety catch on a gun—strongly advised against.
Q3: Why is the PDF so hard to find? Copyright claims by the Al-Buni Foundation (a legal body in Beirut) and removal requests from Google Drive and Dropbox due to "dangerous content" policies have pushed it to the dark web and encrypted archives.
Q4: Is this the same as The Picatrix? Similar, but not the same. The Picatrix (Ghayat al-Hakim) is also Arabic magic, but Shams al-Ma'arif is more focused on Quranic letters and Jinn kings, whereas Picatrix leans toward planetary images and necromancy.
As of 2025, there is no universally accepted, complete, critical translation of Volume 1 and Volume 2 of Shams al-Ma'arif in the public domain. Here is the truth:
Thus, the "English PDF" most people find is either the Study Edition (controversial but readable) or a fraudulent summary.
For decades, Western occultists could only read about Shams al-Ma'arif in fragmented references (Idries Shah, Henry Corbin, or Rudolf von Sebottendorf of the Nazi Thule Society). The language barrier—classical Arabic suffused with cryptic symbolism—kept it locked away.
Then came the internet.
The Sun of Knowledge (Shams al-Ma'arif)
Introduction
Shams al-Ma'arif, also known as "The Sun of Knowledge," is a renowned Arabic manuscript written by Ahmad al-Buni, a 13th-century Egyptian scholar and mystic. The book is a comprehensive guide to Islamic mysticism, magic, and spirituality, offering insights into the mysteries of the universe, human nature, and the path to spiritual enlightenment.
Author: Ahmad al-Buni
Ahmad al-Buni (d. 1225 CE / 606 AH) was a prominent Islamic scholar, Sufi mystic, and philosopher. Born in Algeria, he spent most of his life in Egypt, where he studied and taught various Islamic sciences, including jurisprudence, theology, and spirituality. Al-Buni was known for his extensive knowledge of Arabic language, literature, and Islamic mysticism, which he synthesized in his writings.
Content of the Book
Shams al-Ma'arif is a treasure trove of spiritual knowledge, comprising 41 chapters that explore various aspects of Islamic mysticism, including:
Significance and Impact
Shams al-Ma'arif has had a profound impact on Islamic thought and spirituality. The book has been widely studied and referenced by scholars and Sufis throughout history, influencing various Islamic traditions, including Sufism, Shi'ism, and Islamic philosophy.
English Translation
The English translation of Shams al-Ma'arif, titled "The Sun of Knowledge," is available in PDF format online. The translation aims to make al-Buni's work accessible to a broader audience, allowing readers to explore the depths of Islamic mysticism and spirituality. The Sun Of Knowledge -shams Al-ma 39-arif- English Pdf
Conclusion
Shams al-Ma'arif, or "The Sun of Knowledge," is a seminal work on Islamic mysticism and spirituality, offering insights into the mysteries of the universe, human nature, and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Al-Buni's comprehensive guide has had a lasting impact on Islamic thought, and its English translation makes it accessible to a wider audience seeking to deepen their understanding of Islamic spirituality.
Shams al-Ma'arif (The Sun of Knowledge) is a 13th-century Arabic grimoire attributed to the Sufi mystic Ahmad al-Buni. It is one of the most famous and controversial works on Islamic occultism, blending Sufi spiritual wisdom with esoteric practices like talismans, astrology, and numerology. English Translation Status
Historically, a complete, authorized English translation of the entire Shams al-Ma'arif al-Kubra (The Large Sun of Knowledge) did not exist. However, significant selected translations are now available:
The Sun of Knowledge (Selected Translation): Translated by Amina Inloes and published by Revelore Press in 2021. This 321-page work covers key chapters on lunar mansions, zodiac signs, the secrets of "Bismillah," and various talismans.
Digital PDF Versions: You can find various partial or "rough" English translations on platforms like Scribd and the Internet Archive. Use caution, as many online PDFs are incomplete or poor-quality machine translations. Core Themes and Content
The book is structured into roughly 40 chapters (in later editions) and focuses on: Shams al-Ma'arif - Grimoire Magic
What is Shams Al-Ma'arif?
Shams Al-Ma'arif, also known as "The Sun of Knowledge," is a book written by Ahmad ibn Ali al-Buni, an Algerian Sufi mystic and scholar, in the 13th century. The book is a comprehensive guide to Islamic mysticism, magic, and spirituality, drawing from various sources, including the Quran, hadiths, and Sufi traditions.
Content and Structure
The book is divided into several chapters, covering topics such as:
English PDF Version
The English PDF version of Shams Al-Ma'arif is a translation of the original Arabic text. The translation aims to convey the meaning and spirit of the original work, while maintaining its essence and authenticity.
Key Features of the English PDF Version
Where to Find the English PDF Version
You can find the English PDF version of Shams Al-Ma'arif through various online sources, including:
Precautions and Considerations
When accessing and reading Shams Al-Ma'arif, keep in mind:
By following this guide, you should be able to find and engage with the English PDF version of Shams Al-Ma'arif, also known as "The Sun of Knowledge".
Ahmad al-Buni was a Sufi scholar hailing from Bona (present-day Annaba, Algeria) during the Almohad Caliphate. He belonged to the Shadhili Sufi order, a lineage known for its emphasis on orthopraxy and "sober" mysticism. This context is crucial; al-Buni was not a fringe sorcerer but a respected theologian who sought to integrate esoteric practice with Islamic law (Sharia). Shams al-Ma’arif stands as a monumental work in
Al-Buni claimed a spiritual lineage connecting him to prominent figures such as Abu Madyan and the legendary occultist figure Al-Khidr. His authorship of Shams al-Ma’arif is part of a larger corpus of works on the science of letters, but Shams al-Ma’arif al-Kubra (The Great Sun of Knowledge) remains his magnum opus.