This is a fascinating and ground-breaking analysis of the extent to which various major Sufi figures contributed to the mystical philosophy of Ibn al-'Arabi. While recent scholarship has tended to concentrate on his teachings and life, little attention has so far been paid to the influences on his thought. Each chapter is dedicated to one of Ibn al-'Arabi's predecessors, from both the early and later periods, such as al-Bistami, al-Hallaj and al-Jilani, showing how he is discussed in the works of the 'Greatest Master' and Ibn al-'Arabi's attitude towards him. As Abrahamov makes clear, Ibn al-'Arabi was greatly influenced by the early Sufis as regards his philosophy and by the later Sufis in matters of practice. This naturally raises the question: How original was Ibn al-'Arabi's teachings?

About the Author
Binyamin Abrahamov is Professor Emeritus of Islamic Theology and Mysticism, and Quranic Studies at Bar-Ilan University, Israel. He was the head of the Department of Arabic and then the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities. He has published several books and articles on early Islamic theology,al-Ghazali and Ibn al-'Arabi.

Reviews
Ibn 'Arabi is such a majestic zenith of the Islamic mystical tradition that at times it's tempting to treat him like an isolated mountain. Ibn al-'Arabi and the Sufis by Abrahamov helps remind us that the tallest mountains stand connected to, even as rising above, wider mountain ranges. Abrahamov locates Ibn 'Arabi in dialogue with earlier Muslim sages whose works he draws from, even as he makes his own contribution. Highly recommended to all those who want to learn about the context from which Ibn 'Arabi emerges. Omid Safi, Professor of Islamic Studies, University of North Carolina This is a useful and well-documented survey of how Ibn 'Arabi viewed many of his illustrious predecessors on the spiritual path. William C. Chittick, Professor of Religious Studies, State University of New York, Stony Brook



Book Information
ISBN 9781905937523
Author Binyamin Abrahamov
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Anqa Publishing
Publisher Anqa Publishing
Weight(grams) 294g