The book serves as an encyclopedia of "Islamicate" magical wisdom. Key features included in modern English selections include:
: Detailed instructions for creating protective amulets and seals. Shams Al Ma 39-arif Pdf English
Influence and Modern Reception Despite—or because of—its contentious status, Shams al-Ma‘arif continued to influence occult practice and popular religion. In the modern period, the text has been reproduced in prints and PDFs, translated in parts into other languages, and discussed in both scholarly studies and popular forums. Academic interest treats the book as a primary source for understanding medieval Islamic esotericism, social religious life, and the transmission of occult knowledge. Popular interest often focuses on the more sensational claims about magic, talismans, and secret techniques. The book serves as an encyclopedia of "Islamicate"
Historically attributed to the Algerian Sufi scholar (d. 1225 CE), the book's true origins are a subject of academic debate. While al-Buni was a known polymath and mystic, some scholars argue the current expanded versions of the text, known as Shams al-Ma'arif al-Kubra , are likely pseudepigrapha—compiled by later authors writing in his tradition. 2. Core Contents and Esoteric Sciences In the modern period, the text has been