Patterns of Contemplation is a uniquely innovative and comprehensive introduction to the sacred principles and symbolism of geometry, letters and numbers, discussed through the first in-depth analysis and English translation of a major Sufi devotional masterpiece, The Blessing-Prayer of Effusion (al-?alat al-fay?iyya). It examines the kaleidoscopic structure of this prayer on the Prophet Muhammad, who authored it, and how it reveals profound teachings on human perfection.

Providing a precious glimpse into the practice of the mystical life within the Sufi tradition, this volume marks the first time that a complete edition of Ibn ‘ Arabi's prayers has been made available. The Arabic is based on the best surviving manuscripts, alongside an English translation and transliteration, for recitation. The 14 prayers include not only the most astounding expressions of devotion and contemplation, but also an unparalleled depth of knowledge of union. The very structure of the prayers is itself a mode of contemplation, making for a unique spiritual experience.

This is the first full introduction written for a general audience to the life and teachings of Ibn 'Arabi (1165-1240), regarded as the greatest mystical thinker in the history of Islam and known in the Islamic world as al-Shaykh al-Akbar (the Greatest Master).

White Cloud Press, in a joint publishing effort with Anqa Publishing in the United Kingdom, presents the first in a series of books on the life and teachings of Ibn 'Arabi. Relatively unknown in the West until the 20th century, he has been revered by Sufi mystics ever since he first burst upon the Islamic world at the turn of the 13th century. He wrote over 350 books and treatises that are recognized as classics of world spirituality.

The Unlimited Mercifier is a new appreciation of Ibn 'Arabi, clarifying the meanings and relevance of his life and thought. It serves as a thorough introduction for those new to his work, as well as providing food for contemplation and further study for those already familiar with his genius.

Divided into five sections, the book consists of seventeen alternating chapters of biography and thought. The biographical chapters chart the historical trajectory of his life, using his own descriptions as well as the latest research, and are richly illustrated with photographs and maps. Every second chapter discusses a facet of his thought, demonstrating Ibn 'Arabi's immediate relevance to our modern era.

The quest for happiness and fulfilment lies at the very heart of human life, but for Ibn 'Arabi there is a realm beyond our ordinary understanding of happiness, where the human stands truly fulfilled, in vision of Reality. This is a goal within the potential of every person. In this first English translation of a core chapter from the famous Meccan Illuminations (al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya), Ibn 'Arabi comprehensively summarises all his major teachings on human perfectibility and true happiness. Using the imagery of alchemy and ascension, he gives the reader an extraordinary insight into the spiritual journey by contrasting two ways of acquiring knowledge: the rational and the mystical. With an introduction to Islamic alchemy, the Hermetic tradition and the mysterious elixir, this is an important text for anyone interested in Sufism, Islamic spirituality or alchemy.

Warum wird Mohammed das Siegel der Propheten genannt? Was ist die spirituelle Bedeutung von Jesus? Worin besteht die Verbindung der Heiligen und Gesandten aller V lker im Lichte der absoluten Einheit aller Existenz? Dies sind nur einige der Fragen, die Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi mit seiner vision ren Einsicht und unvergleichlichen Darstellungskraft beantwortete. Bekannt als Shaykh al-Akhbar, der gr te Meister, gilt der anadalusische Sufi (1165--1240) f r viele als der mit Abstand bedeutendste Mystiker und Denker in der Geschichte des Islams. Die Wirkung seines enormen Lebenswerks auf Philosophie, Theologie und die Entwicklung der islamischen Spiritualit t hallt noch heute, 800 Jahre sp ter, un berh rbar nach. Der in Murcia geborene und in Damaskus begrabene Ibn Arabi vereint wie niemand vor oder nach ihm die Weisheiten des Westens und des Ostens in einem ganzheitlichen Bild des Menschen als Kr nung einer auf Liebe und Barmherzigkeit beruhenden Sch pfung. Sein tiefes Verst ndnis der gemeinsamen Wurzeln der abrahamitischen Religionen und der vielf ltigen Ber hrungspunkte ihrer Propheten Moses, Jesus und Mohammed birgt ein unsch tzbares Potenzial f r den interkulturellen Dialog und die zwischenreligi se Verst ndigung. Das vorliegende Buch f llt eine L cke in der deutschsprachigen Literatur ber diesen epochalen Mystiker. Mit ausf hrlichen Zitaten, luzider Darlegung seiner Grundgedanken und reichem Abbildungsmaterial ist Stephen Hirtenstein ein biografisches Meisterwerk gelungen.