This book is a collection of forty prophetic traditions distinguished by their focus on the spiritual journey of drawing nearer to God, as explicated by Salih al-Ja'fari, one of the most celebrated teachers of al-Azhar, Islam's leading institution of religious knowledge and most authoritative voice. In an age in which people increasing search for truth; but are confused by opposing trends and controversies, the author's indisputable scholarship, wisdom, and spiritual insight help guide, inspire, and reassure the modern reader. This book includes a detailed biography of the Shaykh, a translation of al-Ja'fari's commentary, al-Fawa'id al Ja'fariyya, as well as an illuminating treatise by Ahmad b. Idris, one of his foremost teachers, on a hadith that concisely summarize the spiritual nature of the Prophet Muhammad. In concise and illuminating text, the book deals with matters relating to the nature of spiritual experience, nearness to and friendship with God, as well as death and the afterlife. The texts of this series record the lives and penetrating insights of three twentieth-century spiritual of Cairo. This timely series in an effort to make their wisdom and profound messages available to contemporary spiritual aspirants. Book jacket.