The Fusus al-Hikam is acknowledged to be a summary statement of the sufi metaphysics of the “Greatest Master”, Ibn ‘Arabi (d.1240). It is also recognised that the Fusus is a work of great complexity both in its ideas and its style; and, over the centuries, numerous commentaries have been written on it. Each of the chapters of the Fusas is dedicated to a Qur’an prophet with whom a particular “wisdom” is associated. In Sufi Metaphysics and Quranic Prophets: Ibn’ Arabi’s Thought and Method in the Fusus al-Hikam, Ronald Nettler examines ten chapters from the Fusus which exemplify the ideas, method and perspective of the entire work. Concentrating on a detailed analysis of the text, the author brings out the profound connection and integration of scripture and metaphysics in the world-view of Ibn Arabi. Sufi Metaphysics and Qur’anic Prophets serves not only as an explication of Ibn Arabi’s thought in the Fusus, but is also a great aid in the overall understanding of Ibn Arabi’s thought.
Ronald L. Nettler is university research lecturer in Oriental Studies, Oxford University, and fellow and tutor in Oriental Studies at Mansfield College, Oxford.
Table of Contents
Chapter One:Ibn Arabi: The Man and His ideas and methods
Chapter Two:The Wisdom of Divineness in the Word of Adam
Chapter Three:The Wisdom of Exaltedness in the Word of Musa
Chapter Four:The Wisdom of leadership in the Word of Harun
Chapter Five:The Wisdom of Ecstatic Love in the Word of Ibrahim
Chapter Six:The Wisdom of Unity in the Word of Hud
Chapter Seven:The Wisdom of the Heart in the Word of Shu’ayb
Chapter Eight:The Wisdom of Divine Decree in the Word of Uzayr
Chapter Nine:The Wisdom of Divine Sovereignty in the Word of Zakariyya
Chapter Ten:The Wisdom of Singularity in the Word of Muhammad
Chapter Eleven:A Lutian Epilogue