Seal of the Saints : Prophethood & Sainthood in the Doctrine of Ibn 'Arabi

ISBN: 0946621403
Author: Michel Chodkiewicz/Liadain Sherrard
Publisher: Islamic Texts Society (UK)
Pages: 192 Binding: Paperback

Description from the publisher:

Ibn 'Arabi, recognised in his lifetime as al-Shaykh al-Akbar - the supreme spiritual Master - was born in 1165 in Andulusia and died inDamascus in 1240. Over a period of eight centuries he has exerted a profound influence on Islamic mysticism.In recent years a number of important studies have helped acquaint the Western reader with Ibn 'Arabi's metaphysics and this process is nowgreatly enhanced by the present volume in which Michel Chodkiewicz explores for the first time, the Master's 'hagiology' or teaching onsainthood. Founded on a careful analysis of the relevant texts, Chodkiewicz's work examines this essential aspect of Ibn 'Arabi's formulation ofa doctrine of sainthood, defining the nature and function of sainthood, while also specifying the criteria for a typology of saints based on thenotion of prophetic inheritance.

'This is by far the best available explanation of the central importance of sanctity for understanding both the practical and thetheoretical teachings of Sufism.' William Chittick

'An extraordinarily good book about an extremely difficult thinker ... Chodkiewizc not only knows the texts remarkably well, butalso avoids and rejects certain errors of perspective common among other scholars.' TLS

Table of Contents:

Forewords ………………3

A Shared Name …………17

He who sees thee sees Me ……….26

The Sphere of Walaya …………….47

The Muhammad Reality …………...60

The Heirs of the Prophets ………….74

The Four Pillars ……………………..89

The Highest Degree of Walaya………103

The Three Seals ………………………116

The Seal of Muhammadan Sainthood…….128

The Double Ladder ……………………147

Index ………………183