MIAS education
Why MIAS education courses?
Education has been at the heart of the Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi Society since its founding in 1977. In response to growing global interest and the need for accessible learning, the Society launched its online education programme in 2020 under the direction of Dr. Rim Feriani, supported by a small and dedicated team (Education Team). Today, this initiative continues to flourish under the guidance of our new Co-Directors of Education: Dr. Yafiah Katherine Randall, Wafa Al-Turk, and Celia Salazar.
Our educational approach invites participants not only to study but to participate in a living tradition of interpretation. The approach of the courses follows Ibn Arabi’s own non-linear way of experiencing reality, particularly apparent in the Futuhat al-Makkiyya (The Meccan Openings), the Kitab al-Isfar (The Secrets of Voyaging) and the Fusus al-Hikam (Ringstones of Wisdom). The courses aim to allow the participants to engage with their creative imagination by ‘diving’ into the ‘ocean’ of Ibn Arabi’s ideas and exploring the mysteries of the ‘barzakh’ – the intermediary realm between the spiritual and sensory worlds. It is a precept that access to intuitive knowledge of the One Reality is directly available from any place of revelation, ‘interior’ or ‘exterior’.
Our goal is to bring together people from diverse cultural and spiritual backgrounds in a shared journey of contemplation and discovery grounded in close engagement with Ibn Arabi’s writings and meaningful dialogue. Places are limited on each course to enable intensive discussion and immersion to take place, like the carefully tended conditions of an alchemical vessel where true transformation can occur.
What has happened in the first five years?
Over the past five years, participants from across the globe have joined the education programme. They have come from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds, from academics to poets, artists and spiritual seekers drawn to the work of Ibn ‘Arabi. This diversity has enriched the learning environment, fostering meaningful discussions from multiple perspectives.
As a result of this engagement, we created the Creative Encounters with Ibn ‘Arabi blog, a space dedicated to all forms of artistic expressions inspired by Ibn Arabi’s teachings. On this page, participants share poetry, visual art, reflections, and other creative works that emerge from their involvement with the course and the texts: https://ibnarabiencounters.wordpress.com/ [/]
What is the MIAS Education Programme?
The main programme is composed of four ‘journeys’: a journey across the ocean, a journey across the desert, a journey to heaven and a journey into language. Each journey comprises four courses. Students, or ‘voyagers’, may take the courses in any order (Programme overview). We also offer other courses which are related to journeying with Ibn Arabi. Another is “Meeting Ibn ‘Arabi: His Life and Works”, which is designed for those who want a taster of how we work before joining one of the four ‘journeys’.
A new six-week course will be offered from the 14th of October to the 18th of November, which takes us through the life of Ibn ‘Arabi and the social, cultural, and religious context of his times. While on this journey, we read his accounts of his conversion, meetings with mystics and philosophers, and some of the powerful visions he experienced. The title of this course is “A Spiritual Genius for Our Times: Ibn ‘Arabi in Context”. These courses complement the four ‘journeys’ and provide further tools for the voyage.
Who are the courses for?
The courses are open to all who are interested in Ibn Arabi and his ideas. They aim to bridge the gap between academic investigation and a more intuitive approach to study. Students are encouraged to integrate traditional approaches with contemporary learning tools. We offer a student discount to those registered with a higher education facility and a reduced rate to those on low incomes (upon application).