Exploring Ibn Arabi's Qur'anic Tafsir: The Spiritual Significance of Wahdat al-Wujûd in the Qur'anic Verses
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18592/jiiu.v25i1.18232Abstract
This article scrutinized Ibn Arabi's interpretations of several Qur'anic verses, particularly his efforts to bolster the doctrine
of Wahdat al-Wujûd. As a leading Sufi thinker, his interpretations often stirred controversy due to their departure from
literal meanings. This qualitative study examined Ibn Arabi's works (Al-Futuhat al-Makkiyyah, Fushush al-Hikam)
and the diverse views of scholars on his exegesis. The findings revealed that Ibn Arabi's exegesis was a shufi nazhari
interpretation, seeking to align the Qur'anic text with the Wahdat al-Wujûd concept. This approach frequently contradicts
literal (zahir) interpretations and Arabic linguistic norms, sparking heated debate among scholars. While some scholars were
receptive to his views, the majority vehemently rejected them as deviant. The significance of his exegesis lies in its unconventional
yet sincere attempt to integrate spiritual experience with textual understanding.
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