Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

The Foundations and Methods of Self-Knowledge Art (Wisdom and Art) from Ibn Arabi's Perspective

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Fatemeh Mahmoudi 1
Hadi Vakili 2
Mohmad Taghi Fa'ali 1
1 Department of Islamic Mysticism, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Comparative Mysticism, Institute of Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/ias.2021.265639.1495
Abstract
In mystical discourse, one of the most significant concepts is ma'rifat al-nafs (self-knowledge). Among the mystics who extensively explored this subject was Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi, the father of theoretical mysticism in the 13th century. Self-knowledge forms the basis for comprehending all truths and is the prerequisite for transcending confusion and bewilderment in this world, achievable through balancing the soul and the body's natural temperament. Ibn Arabi considers self-knowledge as the foundation for divine knowledge (ma'rifat al-Rabb). This article examines his worldview and understanding of self-knowledge, proposing practical methods such as soul purification (tazkiyat al-nafs), remembrance (dhikr), contemplation (fikr), negation of distractions, and recognizing spiritual ailments, while also addressing how temperamental disorders affect the path of self-knowledge. The study further explores obstacles to attaining self-knowledge and evaluates the position of art within Ibn Arabi's intellectual system. Ultimately, his mystical tradition emphasizes the knowability of the soul as a means to divine knowledge, employing both internal and external human faculties. The research methodology is library-based.
Research Objectives:
1.     Examining the foundations of self-knowledge art from Ibn Arabi's mystical perspective.
2.     Investigating art through Ibn Arabi's mystical worldview.
Research Questions:
1.     What are the foundations of self-knowledge art according to Ibn Arabi's mystical perspective?
2.     What are Ibn Arabi's views on art?
Keywords
Divine knowledge
Self-knowledge
Art of self-knowledge
Temperament
Art
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