An introduction to ibn Arabi's thought
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ibn Arabi to anyone who does not know is one of the most controversial figures in Islamic history. It may be fair to say Hallaj is perhaps the most controversial Sufi (Due to him saying "Ana al-Haqq" or "I am the truth") But ibn Arabi is by far more reaching due to his wide influence on Sufism and Islam both during and after his death.
The Mamaluks were supporters of ibn Arabi, it is said that after Sultan Selim the Ottoman conquered Syria he had an eloborage mausoleum built over the resting place of ibn Arabi. He was read by Abdul Qadir Jaziri (A man who is a hero to one and all in Algeria regardless of religious adherence or lack of it) whose book Mawaqif is based upon the teachings of ibn Arabi, Naqshbandis, Rifa'i's, Khalwatis and Qadiris all read the books of ibn Arabi throughout the Ottoman empire and it was only in correspondence to the rise of Wahhabi thought that the teachings of ibn Arabi declined. ibn Arabi was popular amongst all both Sunni and Shia and perhaps it is the universalism of Sufims that made it such a threat to the extreme Sunni and Shia alike.
In the past 40 years the works of ibn Arabi have become of interest to Western academics especially those who are keen to gain a greater understanding of the cultural life of the Middle East up until World War 1 Chodkeiwicz, is one of those scholars who have made a sterling effort to provide us the Western reader with that greater understanding.
This book deals with issues of prophet hood in Islam as ibn Arabi interpreted it. ibn Arabi took what some may see as a unique outlook of the world but in reality saw it as the true essence of Islam. That Islam was the descendant of all religions, a sort of ocean of which all streams and rivers lead. For ibn Arabi diversity was not a challenge or something to fear but rather something to learn from and understand. It is no wonder then that ibn Arabi has come to such attention in the West.
Chodkiewicz provides us with an introduction to ibn Arabi, the numerous books that have been published on him over the years in the West and how our ideas of him have changed over time. The author then goes on to explain the complex concepts that ibn Arabi introduced to the world in regards to theology. Issues of prophet hood are discussed, though it must be added within the understanding of Islam. Issues of sainthood, its interpretation in Islam, ibn Arabis interpretation and its development. The author quotes from other Sufis such as Balqi and Rumi (Who was greatly influenced by ibn Arabi) and discusses the levels of sainthood. The author attempts to provide the reader with some comparisons and examples that can be found in for example Catholicism but to say this book is not one that can be just picked up and read on a Sunday afternoon would be an understatement.
A worthwhile read but I would strongly recommend to anyone if they wished to begin reading ibn Arabi; start with the book "Sufis of Andalusia" move on to "Quest for the red sulphur" "Wisdom of the Prophets" before you begin on this book as you may find yourself greatly confused.
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