The Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi Society

Fusûs al-Hikam

Translation from the Arabic into Ottoman Turkish with commentary, rendered into English by Bulent Rauf with the help of Rosemary Brass and Hugh Tollemache. Volumes 1, 2 and 3 are now in a new edition.

Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi considered the Fusûs al-Hikam, his last major opus, to be the most important of his more than 350 books. The theme is the inner meaning of the 27 prophets mentioned in the Quran from Adam to Muhammad: the infinite wisdom which is at once unique in itself and many-faceted in its representation. The Fusûs is simultaneously an explanation of the most profound meaning of man's existence and perfectibility and an esoteric exegesis of the Quran.

The author of the commentary accompanying the translation writes, "Oh special people, oh people of the Fusûs, this is a private Mercy from God which is extended to you, which leads the people of purity to perfection." This is the famous 17th century translation from the Arabic into Ottoman Turkish, along with extensive commentary which has been rendered into English by Bulent Rauf with the assistance of Rosemary Brass and Hugh Tollemache.

Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi - A Commemorative Volume

Edited by Stephen Hirtenstein and Michael Tiernan. A selection of papers and translations. Element Books, 1993.

This unique volume commemorates the 750th anniversary of the death of Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi and celebrates his life and work. For the first time it brings together eminent scholars and students of the Shaykh from many different countries, all of whom have marvelled at the vast spiritual landscape that he depicts.

Part I is devoted to translations of his works, most of which are presented in a European language for the first time.

Part II is a collection of specially written new studies of his teachings, the way they have influenced succeeding generations and their implications for our own time.

Wird Ibn 'Arabi

Arabic text with phonetic transliteration.

Ibn 'Arabi's daily morning and evening prayers for recitation in Arabic.

Hizbu-l Wiqayah

Arabic text with phonetic transliteration.

The Hizbu-l Wiqayah (or Dawru-l A'la) is Ibn 'Arabi's prayer for protection. In microfiche form, it is frequently carried as an amulet or displayed in a significant place.

The Four Pillars of Spiritual Transformation
Ibn 'Arabi's Hilyat al-abdal

Translation and Arabic edition by Stephen Hirtenstein

Introduction, translation, and Arabic text. Paperback, 64 pages, Anqa Publishing in association with Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi Society. October 2008. ISBN: 978 19059370 4 2.

This is the first English translation of Ibn 'ArabI’s Hilyat al-abdal, a short work which he wrote in the space of an hour during his Meccan period as something that would be “of assistance for those on the Path to true happiness”. Beginning with an anecdote concerning one of his Andalusian companions, Ibn 'Arabi proceeds to explain the exterior qualities of the spiritually transformed (abdal). He particularly focuses on the four essential prerequisites of spiritual discipline: silence, seclusion, hunger and vigilance, describing how these appear among both aspirants and the spiritually realised.

One of the most popular of his short works, the Hilyat al-abdal was much copied, and this book includes the first critical edition of the text based on the best manuscripts, including one written in Malatya during the author's lifetime. In addition, it provides a substantial introduction on the abdal saints, and a translation of Chapter 53 from the Futuhat al-makkiyya, which deals with the same subject-matter.

A Prayer for Spiritual Elevation and Protection
Ibn 'Arabi's al-Dawr al-a'la or Hizb al-wiqaya

Suha Taji-Farouki

Study, translation, transliteration and Arabic text. 160 pages, paperback, Anqa Publishing in association with Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi Society. September 2006. ISBN: 0 9534513 99.

"Whoever recites this prayer will be like the sun and the moon among the stars"

This is the first study of a widely-used and much-loved prayer by Ibn 'Arabi, sometimes recited after the Awrad (The Seven Days of the Heart). The Dawr al-a'la ('The Most Elevated Cycle'), also known as the Hizb al-wiqaya ('The Prayer of Protection'), is a prayer of remarkable power and beauty. It consists of 33 verses, invoking protection through particular Divine Names and phrases from the Qur'an. It is said that whoever reads the prayer with sincerity of heart and utter conviction, while making a specific plea, will have their wish granted.

This precious book provides a definitive edition of the Arabic text based on a substantial number of the best manuscript copies, and a lucid translation. A transliteration is also provided for those unable to read Arabic. In addition, there is an illuminating analysis of the transmission, presentation and use of the prayer across the centuries. Of particular interest are the major figures in Islamic scholarship and mysticism who have been associated with it, and perceptions of its properties and uses.

The Universal Tree and the Four Birds – Treatise on Unification (al-Ittihad al-kawni)

by Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi. Introduction, translation and commentary by Angela Jaffray, Arabic text edited by Denis Gril.

160 pages, paperback, Anqa Publishing in association with Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi Society. September 2006. ISBN: 0 9534513 99

"I am in love with no other than myself, and my very separation is my union..."

The Universal Tree and the Four Birds is one of Ibn 'Arabi's early works. A dazzling blend of poetry and rhymed prose, this short mystical treatise encompasses a number of themes that were of perennial concern to Ibn 'Arabi, in particular the question of union with the Divine.

Beginning with a series of poems that depict the existential fluctuation of the human heart, the narrator goes on to describe his meeting with his Essential Self in a 'place' outside space and time. He then finds himself in a garden with the Universal Tree, symbolising the Reality of Perfect Man, and four delightful birds: an Eagle, a Ringdove, a fabulous 'Anqa' (or Gryphon), and a Jet-black Crow. Each in turn regales the author with a tale of its origins and essential characteristics, but it is only in the end that their true natures are finally revealed.

The elegant translation is complemented by Angela Jaffray's illuminating commentary on key elements in the text and extensive notes, and a foreword by Rafi Zabor. The Arabic text, critically edited from the best manuscripts by Denis Gril, is also included.

For further information see Anqa Publishing