Sufism as a Collection of Rich Resources for Interpreting Tradition: The Case of Ibn al-ʽArabī

A Sufi or Mystic is someone who has an opportunity  or has access to download more meanings. Using  the interpretation, which is adapted by those  most stepped in the spiritual tradition of Islam, i.e.,  Sufism, does not mean that it denies the importance  of the other exegetical genres—linguistic, legal,  philosophical or theological; each has its place in  the overall matrix of interpretation and application.  But today we are more urgently in need of a return  to the spiritual source of Islam than ever before; thus,  special attention should be paid to mystical, spiritual  and metaphysical dimensions of the revelation, and  to those authorities within the tradition who probe  and disclose the depths of meaning within the  Scripture. Ibn al-‘Arabī is acclaimed to be one of the  greatest Sufi masters of all the time. With respect to  scriptural hermeneutics, he appears to be convinced  in the infinite potential for meaning inherent in the  nature of divine revelation, especially in the form of  sacred scripture. Such an understanding of the nature  of scripture can be invaluable in dialogue to create  a peaceful coexistence because it demands that the  person of faith not only take a stance of conviction  within the teachings of his or her sacred texts, but also  that they realize that this conviction—however deep it  may be—does not restrict or exhaust in any way the  potential meaning of these texts.

Keywords:

Sufism , Ibn al-‘Arabī , Hermeneutics , religious diversity , Dialogue