Ibn al-ʿArabī develops the metaphor and imagery of a cut out pattern placed over material (cloth for clothing, leather for sandals), focusing on the statement ‘You have in Messenger of God a beautiful exemplar.’ The uswat (exemplar) is a pattern – and also the one someone grieving takes as an example for being consoled; hence the quality of the Prophet (ṣ) as someone of great compassion and kindness. Ibn al-ʿArabī shows us that qualities such as ‘thankfulness’ are Divine names, and so when God sees His creature displaying thankfulness, God is loving His own quality and name.

Insights from (Muhyiddin) Ibn Arabi

with Dr. Eric Winkel

April 10th, 2020

youtube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B-OcvKo8M8

For more on The Futuhat Project , please visit www.thefutuhat.com.

Ibn al-ʿArabī describes how the Single Entity (with many names, many adjectives, and many verbs) projects on the other ‘side’ a single entity (with many properties, many colors, and many variegations). The (only) way this projection works is for the projection screen to be made from earth. Then, the figure of Adam is taught all of these names. Ibn al-ʿArabī uses the metaphor and imagery of the shadow play to help us visualize this process.

Insights from (Muhyiddin) Ibn Arabi

with Dr. Eric Winkel

April 3rd, 2020

youtube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwe2ZzzSxFw

For more on The Futuhat Project , please visit www.thefutuhat.com.