AS elucidated in his Persian poetry, Ibn al-Arabī (1165-1240) gained renown for his distinctive examination of mystical encounters. He established himself as a prominent intellectual and instructor (Murshid) within the Sufi Tradition or Islamic spirituality. In addition, he was often known among the renowned Sufis as Shaīkh al-Akbar (‘The Greatest Master’) and Muhyi al-Dīn (‘Renewer of Religion’) Ibn Arabī extensively authored works on several themes, asserting that they were divinely disclosed to him. He possessed extensive knowledge and expertise in the Islamic mystical tradition’s spiritual practices and secret knowledge, making him more than just a typical Sufi moral agent. He is widely regarded as the preeminent visionary intellect of Islamic Sufism.
His compositions are too intricate and convoluted. They skilfully organized Sufi theosophy, and “for most Sufis after the thirteenth century, his writings represent the pinnacle of mystical theories. This study article explores the deep ontology and theological ideas of Ibn-ul-Arabi, a renowned Islamic philosopher and mystic, in the framework of Islamic philosophy and Sufism. Ibn Arabi was a visionary in expanding the scope of philosophy beyond the confines of religious beliefs and ideologies. The intellectual heritage of Ibn-ul-Arabi, which covers the period from the 12th to the 13th centuries, has had a lasting impact on Islamic philosophy and ideas.
The research commences by contextualizing his works within the historical progression of Islamic philosophy and the rise of Sufism, emphasizing the crucial influences that molded his distinctive perspective. The inquiry primarily focuses on Ibn-ul-Arabi’s ontology, firmly rooted in Islamic metaphysics, explicitly emphasizing the idea of Wahdat (Tawhid). The article focuses on his profound comprehension of existence, divine qualities, and the dynamic interplay between God and creation. The central idea in his thinking revolves around the concept of theophany, which refers to the ongoing revelation of the divine in the universe and the contentious teaching of the Unity of Being (Wahdat al-Wujud).
Moreover, the paper explores the interdependent connection between Ibn-ul-Arabi’s philosophical study of existence and deep reflection practices within Sufism. It clarifies how the repetition of sacred phrases (dhikr) and spiritual exercises are crucial in forming his mystical encounters. The inquiry concludes by contemplating the persistent influence of Ibn-ul-Arabi’s beliefs, underscoring their enduring significance in Islamic philosophy and Sufism. This book enhances our understanding of Islamic philosophy by thoroughly analyzing its ontology and religious ideas. It highlights the intellectual depth of Islamic thought and its enduring significance over time. Ibn Arabī had a complex personality, was not afraid to acquire knowledge and skills, and openly advocated for what is morally virtuous and artistically pleasing. In Ibn’ Arabī’s writings, he introduces concepts such as the transcendent unity of Being (Waḥdat al-wujūd) and the Universal Man (al-Insān al-Kāmil), even though these ideas have always existed in the tradition. Wahdat ul Wujud is the belief that God Almighty is solely responsible for all events in the world and that every being on earth ultimately belongs to Him.
The existence of majestic mountains, meandering rivers, breathtaking landscapes, lush orchards, soaring birds, and crawling critters, as well as the presence of walking humans and captivating animals, all in some way or another point to the existence of a divine being. This concept, called “Tawheed,” is the fundamental principle for embracing Islam. Tawheed refers to the recognition of Allah as the singular and ultimate authority. Ibn Arabi’s teachings emphasize the fundamental notion of Wujud, which refers to the actual existence or presence of anything. Avicenna initiated this. In Quranic terminology, the phrase “vast” carries a profound significance and conveys the idea of discovering something, valuing it, or deriving pleasure from one’s existence. Essentially, it signifies the existence of something. Ibn Arabi articulated its meaning using both Islamic and intellectual terminology. According to him, the process consists of three steps: firstly, experiencing sensations; secondly, being conscious of one’s surroundings; and thirdly, employing all of one’s focus to locate it. Avicenna’s teachings encompassed these fundamental principles, wherein the name “Wujud” denotes the existence of mysticism and the act of valuing it within philosophical discourse. In essence, Ibn Arabi can be described as a sagacious and astute spiritual guide for Muslims. Whose work significantly impacted Sufis and resulted in the elucidation of certain phenomena. One of the most notable examples is Wahdat ul Wujud.
Furthermore, he possessed the dual roles of a philosopher and a poet. He elucidated the concept of the unity of Allah, known as Tawheed, and the interconnectedness of nature, humanity, and their relationships with exceptional lucidity. He believed that maintaining authenticity leads to converging all aspects of one’s life. This force refers to the cohesive power that unites many nationalities and civilizations, resulting in a Muslim brotherhood that surpasses any secular relationship. Ibn-Arabi’s metaphysical conception of man aligns with the philosophy of mysticism. He believes God is the eternal and all-encompassing reality, possessing unlimited knowledge, power, and presence. Contrary to the monotheistic focus on God’s complete unity, Ibn Arabī emphasizes the complete unity of all things in God. Reality is a singular, undividable, and unparalleled entity.
—The writer is a PhD in Islamic thought and culture from NUML Islamabad and the author of five books and forty research publications.
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views expressed are writer’s own.
