The Secrets of Need and Hunger [Hikam 174]

“The feast-days of novices are when states of need arrive” [Hikam 174]

In this talk, Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera reflects on Hikam 174 from The Book of Wisdoms (Kitāb al-Ḥikam) by Ibn ʿAṭāʾ Allāh al-Iskandarī, found on page 145: “The feast-days of novices are when states of need arrive.” He unpacks the deeper spiritual wisdom behind this saying, exploring how moments of need, difficulty, and dependence upon Allah can become opportunities for spiritual growth, drawing closer to Him, and recognising the blessings hidden within life’s trials.