Al-Buni claimed to have derived his knowledge from Jafr (Islamic divination) and ancient Hermetic sources filtered through an Islamic lens.
High-quality digitized manuscript of the "Kubra" (Greater) version. NYU Digital Library The first major English translation ( The Sun of Knowledge ). Amazon (Revelore Press) Manuscript Copy shams al maarif pdf top
the digital file is arguably inert. As one modern occultist put it: "A PDF of the Shams is like a photograph of a fire. It will not burn you, but it will show you where the fire is." Most seekers who download the PDF open it, stare at the incomprehensible astrological charts and letter squares, feel a shiver of awe, and then close it. The real "danger" is the intent —the search itself. Al-Buni claimed to have derived his knowledge from
, the book was originally crafted in Ayyubid Egypt. It serves as a comprehensive "encyclopedia" of Islamic occultism, merging mystical Sufi traditions with practical magic. The text is divided into two primary volumes: Shams al-Ma'arif al-Kubra : The "Greater" and more extensive version. Shams al-Ma'arif al-Sughra : The "Lesser" version. Core Themes and Secret Teachings Amazon (Revelore Press) Manuscript Copy the digital file
. It is widely considered the most influential—and often feared—manual of occult sciences in the Islamic world. Amazon.com Top PDF Resources & Translations
Modern scholars like Muhammad Sa’id al-Buti and Abdullah al-Judai argue that later copyists added pagan and Hermetic material after al-Buni’s death, meaning the “top” PDF might be a corrupted hybrid. Always check the manuscript date (pre-1500 CE is considered more authentic).
Shams al-Ma'arif is considered one of the most important and influential works on magic in the Islamic world. The book covers a wide range of topics, including: