The Opening And Other Meccan Revelations: Selections from Al-Bahar Al-Madid

Renowned for its unique style, Ibn Ajiba’s commentary of the Qur’an, Al-Bahr al-Madid (The Vast Ocean) combines traditional exegesis with spiritual contemplation, exploring the inner meanings of the sacred text. In this companion volume to our inaugural publication Prophetic Grace, Ibn Ajiba explores the outer and inner meanings of the most important and most commonly read chapter of the Qur’an, Sura al-Fatiha, as well as the shorter chapters of the Qur’an that are read daily by children and adults alike, in homes and in mosques throughout the world.

In these selected commentaries, the reader can begin to appreciate the depth and transformative power of what are perhaps the best-known chapters of the Qur’an.

“The books of Ibn Ajiba are among a special class of works that combine knowledge of the Sharia with spiritual insights that move one’s sentiment and motivate one to action. This volume is critical in that it covers the most oft-recited verses of al-Fatiha and the qisar al-suwwar, the small suras. For this reason, what is between the covers of this work will color our daily worship and assist us along the path of faith.” -Dr .Shadee ElMasry, Safina Society – New Brunswick Islamic Center

“Sidi Ahmed bin Ajiba’s commentary on Surah al-Fatiha opens the reader to a new level of spiritual understanding. Referred to as the Ghazali of his time, Sidi Ahmed is able to fluently express complex spiritual realities with form and coherence.” -Moutasem Atiya, Al-Madina Institute