Analytic Mystical Philosophy of Ibn Arabiʼs Conceptions of Perfect Man and Love in Ralph Waldo Emersonʼs Literary Works

This article aims to explore the implicit references to Islamic philosophy and Sufism in Ralph Waldo Emersonʼs works, especially the theoretical notions of Ibn Arabiʼs theosophy. The similarities reflect Emersonʼs deep reading and understanding of the Islamic and mystical texts, as he finds out in them sources of new knowledge and spirituality. This article unravels such implicit connections in Emersonʼs works under the notions of ʽPerfect Manʼ and ʽLoveʼ to confirm that Emerson has read Saʼadi, Hafiz, Rumi and through them, and has used his in-depth knowledge of them to substantiate his ideas in his works profoundly.

Keywords:

Ralph Waldo Emerson , Ibn Arabi , Orientalism , Perfect Man , Love