Shaykh al-Akbar Ibn 'Arabi: A Brief Biography

Title: Shaykh al-Akbar Ibn 'Arabi: A Brief Biography 

Author: Abrar Ahmed Shahi, Ibn Arabi Foundation 

Description of the Work: This concise yet comprehensive biography of Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi — known as Shaykh al-Akbar (The Greatest Master) — offers a detailed look into the life, spiritual development, and intellectual legacy of one of the most influential Sufi mystics in Islamic history. Born in 12th-century Murcia, Ibn 'Arabi journeyed through the Islamic world from Andalusia to the Levant, absorbing knowledge from jurists, philosophers, and spiritual masters alike. The book explores his formative visions, encounters with prophets, spiritual retreats, and meetings with legendary figures like al-Khidr and Ibn Rushd. It delves into his role as the “Seal of Muhammadan Sainthood,” his monumental writings including al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya and Fusus al-Hikam, and the mystical philosophies that continue to shape Sufi thought. Authored by the Ibn Arabi Foundation, this work draws from the most reliable sources and serves as an accessible gateway to understanding Ibn 'Arabi’s profound inner world and universal influence.