Sufi Metaphysics and Qurà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢anic Prophets
Ibn Arabià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Thought and Method in the Fusus al-Hikam

RONALD L. NETTLER

The Fusus al-Hikam is acknowledged to be a summary statement of the sufi metaphysics of the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Greatest Masterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ , Ibn à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å“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 Qurà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢an prophet with whom a particular à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“wisdomà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  is associated. In Sufi Metaphysics and Quranic Prophets: Ibnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Arabià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢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 Qurà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢anic Prophets serves not only as an explication of Ibn Arabià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s thought in the Fusus, but is also a great aid in the overall understanding of Ibn Arabià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢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.