Mystical Arabic Level 1b: Surah Yusuf & Mystical Commentary

“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an so that you may understand” (12:2) .

Surah Yūsuf is introduced in the Qur’an as “the best of stories”, and its timeless narrative of love, jealousy, patience and reunion has nourished seekers for centuries.

Dear Seeker of Sacred Knowledge,

We are delighted to invite you to Level 1b of our Mystical Arabic series – an immersive 10‑week journey through Surah Yūsuf. Building on Level 1a, this course strengthens your Arabic reading and vocabulary while inviting you to contemplate the outer (ẓāhir) and inner (bāṭin) meanings of this profound chapter.

What to Expect

Over ten Sundays (6:30–9:00 p.m. UK time), we will read ~11 verses each week, exploring both the narrative and its deeper spiritual insights. The themes for each session draw directly from the story:

• Week 1: Destiny and Jealousy (verses 1–11) – the seeds of envy within Yusuf’s brothers and the role of divine decree.
• Week 2: Into the Well – Trial and Providence (12–22) – abandonment, yet unseen protection.
• Week 3: Purity in the Face of Temptation (23–33) – resilience against temptation and the safeguarding of the heart.
• Week 4: Patience in Prison – Inner Light in Darkness (34–44) – finding faith in confinement.
• Week 5: The Unveiling – Wisdom Rises to the Surface (45–55) – Yusuf’s gift of interpretation brings relief.
• Week 6: Concealment and Test – The First Encounter (56–66) – hidden identities and the soul’s trial.
• Week 7: The Silver Cup – A Devised Plan and a Deeper Lesson (67–77) – secrets and subtle plans.
• Week 8: Remorse and Hope – The Turning Point (78–88) – contrition and yearning.
• Week 9: Forgiveness and Reunion – The Hearts Unveiled (89–99) – reconciliation and familial love.
• Week 10: The Best of Stories – Reflections and Lessons (100–111) – concluding reflections on the entire surah.

Each session includes guided reading of the Arabic verses, vocabulary review and a short esoteric commentary (taʾwīl or ishārī tafsīr). We will draw on the works of two eminent Sufi commentators:

• ʿAbd al‑Razzāq al‑Kāshānī (d. 1329 CE) – a 14th‑century Persian Sufi whose commentary views Qur’anic stories as allegories of the soul’s journey.
• Aḥmad ibn ʿAjība (d. 1809 CE) – a Moroccan Shadhilī master who combines conventional exegesis with mystical insights, interpreting Yusuf’s trials as stages in the purification of the heart.

Why Join?

• Deepen your Arabic – improve Qur’anic reading and expand your vocabulary.
• Explore the heart’s journey – reflect on themes such as divine love, trials, trust and patience.
• Experience heart‑centred pedagogy – our teaching emphasises compassion and reflection.
• Accessible and supportive – no need for advanced Sufi knowledge; we explain all terms and guide translation together.

This course is designed for students who can read the Arabic script and have a basic vocabulary. Level 1a is recommended but not strictly required. We welcome all seekers with an open heart and a desire to connect language and spirituality.

Practical Details

• Duration: 10‑week live programme
• Schedule: Sundays 6:30–9:00 p.m. UK time
• Start date: 24 August 2025
• Investment: £199 (monthly payment plan available)
• Location: Online via The Hikmah Project’s Thinkific platform

Enrolment

Surah Yūsuf teaches that wisdom comes to those who are patient and sincere seekers. If you’re ready to journey through “the best of stories” and enrich both your Arabic and your heart, we invite you to pre‑order your place today. Visit our courses page to secure your spot and begin the next step of your Mystical Arabic journey.

Any questions - please email info@thehikmahproject.com