The Seal of the Saints: Prophethood and Sainthood in the Doctrine of Ibn Arabi

Ibn Arabi - born in 1165 in Andalusia and died in 1240 in Damascus - was recognised in his lifetime as al-Shaykh al-Akbar, the supreme spiritual Master. Over a period of eight centuries he has exerted a profound influence on Islamic mysticism. In recent years a number of important studies have helped acquaint the Western reader with Ibn Arabis metaphysics and this process is now greatly enhanced by the present volume in which Michael Chodkiewicz explores for the first time, the Masters hagiology or teaching on sainthood. Founded on a careful analysis of the relevant texts, Chodkiewiczs work examines this essential aspect of Ibn Arabis doctrine of sainthood, defining the nature and function of sainthood, while also specifying the criteria for a typology of saints based on the notion of prophetic inheritance.