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The Shams al-ma-arif, also known as the "Sun of Gnosis," is a 13th century Arabic grimoire, or magical text, that purports to contain a complete system for summoning and controlling spirits, as well as a wide range of other magical practices. The text is attributed to the Sufi mystic and poet Muhammad ibn 'Ali al-Buni, who is said to have received the knowledge contained within it from a variety of supernatural sources, including angels, demons, and jinn.
The Shams al-ma-arif is divided into two parts: the first deals with the principles of magical practice and the proper way to communicate with spirits; the second contains a series of spells and rituals that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as divination, protection, and the attainment of specific desires. The text is written in Arabic and contains a mix of Islamic and pre-Islamic elements, reflecting the syncretism of magical beliefs in the medieval Islamic world.
The Shams al-ma-arif has been influential within the Islamic magical tradition and has inspired numerous other grimoires and magical texts. It is considered a classic work of Arabic magical literature and has been widely studied and used by practitioners of magic.
Despite its popularity, the Shams al-ma-arif has also been the subject of controversy and criticism. Some have questioned the authenticity of the text and its attribution to al-Buni, arguing that it is a later fabrication with no historical basis. Others have criticized the text's reliance on supernatural powers and its potential to be used for nefarious purposes.
Regardless of these debates, the Shams al-ma-arif remains a significant and fascinating text in the history of Islamic magic, and continues to be an object of study and fascination for those interested in magic.
The Shams al-ma-arif and the Picatrix are both grimoires, or magical texts, that were written in the medieval Islamic world and contain instructions for summoning and controlling spirits, as well as a wide range of other magical practices. However, there are several key differences between the two texts.
One major difference between the Shams al-ma-arif and the Picatrix is their geographic origin and language of composition. The Shams al-ma-arif was written in Arabic and is believed to have originated in the Middle East, while the Picatrix was written in Arabic but was likely composed in Spain, which was under Muslim rule at the time.
Another difference between the two texts is their focus and content. The Shams al-ma-arif is divided into two parts: the first deals with the principles of magical practice and the proper way to communicate with spirits, while the second contains a series of spells and rituals that can be used for a variety of purposes. In contrast, the Picatrix is divided into four books, each of which deals with a different aspect of magical practice, such as astrology, talismans, and the properties of various substances.
Despite these differences, both the Shams al-ma-arif and the Picatrix are significant and influential texts in the history of Islamic magic and continue to be studied and used by practitioners of magic today.