Sufi Book of Essential Oils: A Mystical Approach to Aromatherapy Inspired by the 99 Divine Names

Sufi Book of Essential Oils is an encyclopedia of essential oils that promotes a spiritual approach to aromatherapy. It builds upon Islamic mysticism, known as Sufism, and modern aromatherapy, the practice of using essential oils to enhance well-being. Most contemporary aromatherapy encyclopedias include detailed profiles of an essential oil’s botanical properties and physical, mental, and emotional uses. Rarely do these profiles include spiritual uses, and if they do, none are from a Sufi or Islamic perspective. This book presents the essential oil’s spiritual use, or Mystical Use, inspired by Sufi teachings of the Divine Names. The Divine Names, or Al-Asma Ul-Husna (The Beautiful Names), is a collection of 99 Divine Names of Allah ﷻ. Each Divine Name is an Attribute that describes an Aspect, Characteristic, or Quality of God. The Divine Names are a spiritual pharmacopeia to ease human suffering. Each Divine Name is a balm with a specific Mystical Use. Each essential oil in this book is paired with a Divine Name. By pairing essential oil with Divine Name, we form an association that allows for a somatic experience of the Divine Name and a mystical application of the essential oil. The essential oil becomes a spiritual salve. Exploring the Divine Names through aromatherapy is ultimately a spiritual journey to open, soothe, inspire, guide, and fortify the heart. Part One introduces the concepts and terms used in Sufism, aromatherapy, and the pairing methodology. Part Two consists of more than120 profiles of the most widely used and available essential oils. Each profile has detailed information on the essential oil and its complementary Divine Name to help you understand their unique qualities and spiritual benefits. The profiles are ordered alphabetically according to the essential oil’s common name and include: Spiritual benefits to sow and spiritual ailments to uproot with the essential oil (Mystical Use) Plant references in the Holy Qur’an and plant use by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, other Prophets and historical figures of Islam Plant botanical name, family, description, part purpose, conservation status, and color photos Essential oil extraction method, color, note, aroma, and compatible aromas Divine Name translation, transliteration, pronunciation, number, category, and quality Discussion of Divine Name triliteral root, relationships, and combinations Suggested reflections Quotes from Sufi poets Part Three includes quick reference guides and resources for further exploration. One of the greatest joys for me when researching this book was discovering how Prophet Muhammad ﷺ loved fragrance, the role of fragrance in the growth of Islam, and the literary uses of fragrance to describe the spiritual journey. As I immersed myself in the Holy Qur’an, the hadith and sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and the work of great Sufi poets, it struck me how aromatic plants are mentioned throughout and emphasized in Islamic art, architecture, and textiles, because they symbolize the blessings of Allah ﷻ in this life and the next. They remind us of the Paradise from which we came and give us a glimpse of the Paradise to which we hope to return. Fragrance is from Paradise itself, and brings Paradise to this world. Although fragrance is invisible, it is palpable – like faith itself. We can deepen our faith by incorporating the use of essential oils in our spiritual practices. The purpose of this book is to offer a fragrant path toward the Divine. May the essential oils within this book help us experience the Divine One’s Love, Forgiveness, Creativity, Guidance, Knowledge, Majesty, Power, Presence, Protection, Wisdom, and Blessings in a deeply personal way! For more information, please visit www.fragrantdervish.com. For printing issues, please reach out to Amazon for an exchange.