An Ocean of Tears is a work of exhortation and advice by Ibn al-Jawzi, the Hanbali polymath and gifted orator, gathered for an age where hearts are hardened and tears struggle to flow. Within it are heart-softening stories, emotive poetry, and admonition, all turned toward one purpose: encouraging the reader to reconnect with his or her Creator.

It is described as a book meant to be read repeatedly, not set aside after a single sitting. That alone tells you something about how it is meant to function, less as a text to master once than as a companion to return to whenever the heart needs softening again.

This edition, published by Turath Publishing, brings Ibn al-Jawzi's work into English for readers who want his voice without the barrier of the original Arabic. For anyone who has felt their heart grow distant and wanted something to gently pull it back, this is a fitting place to begin.