IBN ‘ARABI AND THE TRANSCENDENTAL UNITY OF RELIGIONS - Media Zainul Bahri

https://aljamiah.or.id/index.php/AJIS/article/view/149/0

In this episode, we dive into a paper by Media Zainul Bahri examining the controversial concept of the transcendental unity of religions, as espoused by the 13th-century Mystic and Muslim scholar Ibn ‘Arabi>. The episode explores Ibn ‘Arabi>’s view that, despite differences in outward forms of belief and practice, the essence of all religions is one and ultimately derived from the same source, God. It discusses how Ibn ‘Arabi> interprets the concept of divine tajalli>, or self-manifestation, as the source of religious diversity, with each religion reflecting a unique form of God’s unveiling. The article further analyzes Ibn ‘Arabi>’s views on the unity of essence, the unity of the path, and the unity of scriptures, concluding that his perspective offers a humanist and inclusive paradigm for understanding interfaith dialogue and the shared spiritual core of all religions.

Podcast and images are AI generated.

In this episode, we dive into Stephen Hirtenstein’s paper titled “O Marvel!” – A Paradigm Shift towards Integration.

https://ibnarabisociety.org/paradigm-shift-towards-integration-stephen-hirtenstein/

The paper was first presented at the Symposium "Ibn ‘Arabi and the Modern Era", Istanbul, 23–25 May 2008.

The paper examines the relevance of the 13th-century Muslim philosopher Ibn ‘Arabi’s writings in the modern world, arguing that his philosophy offers a lens through which to understand the human condition in a world that is rapidly changing and seemingly headed towards a crisis of its own making. Hirtenstein uses Ibn ‘Arabi’s thought to show that human beings possess a unique capacity for transcendence and integration that can help us navigate the challenges we face. He points to the fundamental principles of Ibn ‘Arabi’s philosophy – the unity of all life, the high rank of humanity, the supremacy of Divine Mercy, and the validity of diverse viewpoints – as pathways to a more harmonious and fulfilling human existence. Hirtenstein ultimately argues that through the realization of our true human potential, as described by Ibn ‘Arabi, we can move beyond a focus on the negative and embrace a more hopeful future.

The podcast, voices and images are AI generated.

This episode is a dive into a 2004 paper by Cecilia Twinch.

https://ibnarabisociety.org/the-circle-of-inclusion-cecilia-twinch/

The paper was originally presented at the conference entitled “Between East and West, the spiritual journey: the significance and implications of Ibn ‘Arabī’s teaching in today’s world”, held in Cordoba at the Biblioteca Viva Al-Andalus, Roger Garaudy Foundation, 24–26 September 2004.