Shams al-Ma'arif al-Kubra (The Sun of Gnosis) is a 13th-century Arabic grimoire and manual on esoteric magic, astrology, and letter mysticism. It contains material that is considered controversial or forbidden (haram) by mainstream Islamic scholars due to its focus on summoning spirits, talismans, and occult practices. I do not endorse or facilitate copyright infringement. Most modern, reliable English translations of this text are sold commercially. This article is for academic and informational purposes only to explain what the book is and why it is sought after.
University programs in Middle Eastern studies, history of magic, and religious studies require access to primary sources. However, complete printed English translations are rare. As of 2025, the most notable English editions include: shams al ma 39-arif english pdf free download
