 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ibn 'Arabi and Shams-i-Tabrizi
One day we were immersed in a discussion as to how a hadith that resembles a verse in the Quran should be regarded as authentic.
He [Ibn ‘Arabi] narrated a hadith and asked: “What verse in the Quran corresponds to this?” At that moment I saw that he was in an ecstatic state, and I wanted to bring him from that scattered state to an integrated state of consciousness, by saying something appropriate to his question.
So I said: “As for the hadith you stated, there is some difference
of opinion regarding whether or not it is an authentic hadith, but where
in the Quran is there a verse corresponding to the hadith, Scholars
are like a single soul?”
He thought I was asking him a question! So he answered quickly with the
verse: “Indeed the believers are brethren [to each other]. Your
creation and resurrection is not but as a single soul.” Then he
turned introspective and understood my intention, that it had not been
to ask a question.
He said: “O my son, you lash with your words so fiercely!”
In the beginning he would call me “son” and in the end he
would call me “son”. Ibn ‘Arabi would laugh gently at
how his spiritual offspring were dealing with him.
Maqalat of Shams
 |
|
Home | About Ibn 'Arabi | Publications | Future Titles | Tours | Order | About Us
If you would like further information or help, you can contact us by clicking here: publishing@anqa.co.uk
Anqa Publishing
PO Box 1178
Oxford
OX2 8YS
UK