Ibn 'Arabi: Heir to the Prophets (Makers of the Muslim World)

Along with Stephen Hirtenstein’s book, “The Unlimited Mercifier,” this is definitely my favorite look at the life and teachings of Shaykh al-Akbar ("the Greatest Shaykh"). In “Ibn ‘Arabi: Heir to the Prophets,” widely respected philosopher, writer, and translator William Chittick delivers a lucid and comprehensive examination of the key aspects of this Sufi Qutub’s (Perfect Master) copious writings, philosophy of Absolute Unity, and fascinating life.One of the attributes of this book that I enjoyed the most is how easy the author made the book to read and appreciate. Unlike many of the academic works on Ibn ‘Arabi, (often arcane) footnotes do not comprise an inordinate percentage of the book. That’s not to say that this is a cursory or dumbed-down work. On the contrary, with some 30 published books, along with a PhD in Persian literature from Tehran University, Chittick most definitely knows his stuff! The truly impressive thing here is how he made this Andalusian Mystic’s deeply profound metaphysical concepts so clear and understandable…which is not an easy task! I unreservedly recommend Heir to the Prophets to anyone interested in the apex of esoteric Sufism, and/or the life and teachings of the incomparable Ibn ‘Arabi.

An excellent introduction that is easier to read than Chittick's other books.There are many out there that without ibn Arabi's "mercifying" presentation of Islam, would find the religion next to incomprehensible. Ibn Arabi brings everything back to Mercy,

An excellent exposee of Ibn Arabi's life and fundamental ideas, like all Chittick's works. I would recommend it to all who is interested in Sufi metaphysics.

William Chittick has just written what I believe will soon be regarded as the best book on Ibn 'Arabi that has yet been published in English. This is quite a feat, given the numbers of books that have been written about Ibn 'Arabi, especially in recent years. Having studied Ibn 'Arabi for the last 30 years, Chittick boils down Ibn 'Arabi's viewpoint in this new book, titled, *Ibn 'Arabi: Heir to the Prophets.*Written in a clear crisp style that will appeal to the interested public, aspiring Sufis, and scholars alike, *Ibn 'Arabi: Heir to the Prophets* is a small 150 page book that can act as an introduction to Chittick's more weightier tomes on "al-Shaykh al-akbar" (the greatest shaykh).After a few pages giving a synopsis of Ibn 'Arabi's life, Prof. Chittick divides his book into nine chapters: The Muhammadan Inheritance (dealing with topics such as reading the Qur'an, understanding God, and knowing he self); the Lover of God; the Divine Roots of Love; the Cosmology of Remembrance; Knowledge and Realization; Time, Space, and the Objectivity of Ethical Norms; the In-Between (dealing with the soul); the Disclosure of the Intervening Image (regarding self-awarenes, death, and love); and the Hermeneutics of Mercy (focusing on topics such as the inherent mercy in "being," diversity, and surrender).This year, if you are going to buy one book on Sufism either as a gift for yourself or a friend, *Ibn 'Arabi: Heir to the Prophets* (Oneworld Press) should be that book.

Excellent introduction to anyone interested to learn about what I call the "other Islam" -- the Islam as believed and practiced by the vast majority of Muslims that, as it should be, is best not reported nor widely discussed; the "other Islam" might also be described as "Islam of the heart" which has indeed kept Islam alive and growing/spreading despite all the problems of Muslims as a people in world history -- as opposed to "political Islam" or "Islamism", which is basically a political ideology like any other ideology that is mostly about politics and power.

Perfect analysis of Wahadatul Wajud....I observed new insights but however very advanced work my Prof. Chittick...Really commendable

A scholarly, packed, but eminently readable account of the teaching of Ibn Arabi, revealing both its level of sophistication - the nearest equivalent would be Aquinas's 'Summa', which joins a number about Ibn Arabi's life, such as 'In search of Red Sulphur', or 'Sufis from Andalusia.'

Good book

good book