Sufis of Andalusia, the Ruh al-quds and al-Durrat al-fakhirah of Ibn 'Arabi

Sufis of Andalusia, the Ruh al-quds and al-Durrat al-fakhirah of Ibn 'Arabi. Translated with introduction and Notes by R.W.J. Austin. With a Foreword by Martin Lings. 

Muhyiddin Ibn'Arabi, one of the very greatest mystics of any age, was born in Moorish Spain in 1165, and from his earliest youth displayed remarkable spiritual aptitude. He travelled extensively throughout the Islamic world, conversing with the greatest mystics, divines and philosophers of the time. His teaching is based on the primordial principle, which underlies all traditions, of the Absolute Unity of Existence. In more than 400 books the meanings and expressions of this principle are set down with extraordinary clarity and fullness. Ibn 'Arabi died in Damascus in 1240. His influence is pervasive and profound, and he is known to many simply as al-Shaikh al-Akbar - 'the Greatest Teacher'. 

'Sufis of Andalusia' consists of biographical sketches of some of the contemplatives and spiritual masters among whom Ibn 'Arabi spent his early years. It is a translation of the biographical portion of the Ruh al-quds fi munsahat al-nafs (The Spirit of Holiness in the Counselling of the Soul), supplemented with some passages from the Durrat al-fakhirah. The Ruh al-quds was written in response to the comments of a friend who lamented the spiritual degeneracy of the times in which they lived. These accounts bring to life with great vividness a remarkable spiritual milieu, and a group of individuals who manifest superlative wisdom in their intensity of devotion and service to Reality. This book will speak directly to all serious seekers of real knowledge. 

Dr Ralph Austin graduated from the University of London and researched at the University of California. He has given a number of papers on Islamic mysticism at international conferences, and has made a special study of the work of In 'Arabi. His translation of Ibn'Arabi's Fusus al-Hikam - The Bezels of Wisdom - was published in 1980. Dr Austin lectures in Arabic and Islamic studies at the University of Durham.

Details

• Paperback 
• ISBN: 0904975134
• Condition: Very Good 
  
• Publisher: Beshara Publications