Path for the Perplexed presents a fresh and illuminating reimagining of one of the foundational texts of Islamic mysticism. Originally composed nearly a thousand years ago by the celebrated Persian Sufi master Abdullah Ansari of Herat, the Manāzil al-Sāʾirīn was the first Persian work to systematically articulate the spiritual ‘stations’ of the Sufi path. Ansari – known as Pir-i Herat, the Sage of Herat – was a Qurʾanic commentator, Hanbali scholar, poet and spiritual guide whose influence continues to shape the intellectual and devotional history of Islam.

This new translation by Dr Ali A. Allawi goes beyond rendering Ansari’s words into contemporary language. With his added commentary, it offers a thoughtful re-envisioning of the Manāzil for modern seekers, while remaining firmly rooted in the spiritual universe of Islam. Drawing on the classical model of the self as articulated through the Qurʾanic stages of the soul – culminating in Insān al-Kāmil, the complete human being – the work guides readers through a transformative inner journey of self-knowledge and refinement.

Expanded and structured as a yearly course by Muslim scholar Julia A. Katarina, the book introduces an additional stage, redefines key gateways, and features practical spiritual exercises and adhkār (litanies) for both seekers and guides. At once faithful and innovative, Path for the Perplexed offers a living encounter with a timeless mystical masterpiece, reflecting the depth of study and devotion invested in this remarkable work.

ABDULLAH AL-ANṢĀRĪ (1006–1089), also known as Pir-i Herat, was a Sufi saint who lived in Herat, Ghaznavid Empire (modern-day Afghanistan). Ansari was a commentator on the Qur’an, scholar of the Hanbali school of thought (madhhab), traditionalist, polemicist and spiritual master, known for his oratory and poetic talents in the Persian language.

ALI ALLAWI is an economist, historian–biographer and award-winning author. His works include The Occupation of Iraq: Winning the War, Losing the Peace (2007), The Crisis of Islamic Civilisation (2009), Faisal I of Iraq (2014), The Spiritual Path: Conversation with a Sufi Master (2017) and Rich World, Poor World (2024). He has served as Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister in the Republic of Iraq, and has followed the Sufi path for the past 50 years.

JULIA KATARINA is a trained mezzo-soprano, multi-instrumentalist and accomplished performer of both Arabic and European classical repertoire, cellist in three orchestras and solo oud recitalist. She holds an MSc in Applied Music Psychology and an MA in Islamic Studies. Having made the ultimate Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 2008, she embraced Islam in Al-Aqsa mosque while living and teaching in Palestine, where she also learned fluent Arabic. Her musical journey is intertwined with her spiritual path.