The Mi‘raj and the Spiritual Ascension of Ibn 'Arabi: Insights from Chapter 317 of al-Futūḥāt al-Makkiyya 

Title: The Mi‘raj and the Spiritual Ascension of Ibn 'Arabi: Insights from Chapter 317 of al-Futūḥāt al-Makkiyya 

Author: Ibn 'Arabi (translated and introduced by Stephen Hirtenstein)  

Description of the Work:
This text is a translation and exploration of Chapter 317 of al-Futūḥāt al-Makkiyya by Shaykh al-Akbar Ibn 'Arabi, focusing on the mystical experience of the Mi‘raj — the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ Night Journey and Ascension — and Ibn 'Arabi’s own visionary encounter with spiritual realities. In this chapter, Ibn 'Arabi recounts his personal spiritual ascent, mirroring the prophetic journey but occurring in the imaginal realm through divine unveiling rather than physical transport. The narrative is rich with symbolic meaning and theological depth, offering esoteric commentary on the stages of spiritual elevation, the meeting with prophets and angels, and the inner meanings of cosmological stations. Through this deeply personal yet archetypal journey, Ibn 'Arabi illustrates how the Mi‘raj is not merely a historical event but a template for the soul’s return to its divine origin. The translation is presented with clarifying notes, making it a valuable resource for readers of Sufism, Islamic mysticism, and spiritual ascent traditions.