Language, Being and Creation in Ibn Arabi's al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya, "The Meccan Openings".
Lead Research Organisation:
University of London
Department Name: Warburg Institute
Abstract
What is the relationship between language, Being and creation? This is a question that recurs across the Western canon; from Plato, to the Bible, to Eckhart or Heidegger. This project throws light on the little-known work of the non-canonical thinker and poet Ibn Arabi (1165, Murcia - 1240, Damascus) in order to extend these reflections. By using advances in the digital humanities and bringing together philology with intellectual history and the study of material culture, this project will contribute to current debates around language, Being and creation taking place across disciplines.
Ibn Arabi grew up within the context of medieval Andalusia, in which Islamic thought was enriched by both Greek and Jewish philosophy. His work, written in Arabic, continues to be important in the study of religion, philosophy and literature in the Middle East and Asia, despite being little known in Europe or North America. Ibn Arabi famously met the philosopher Averroes, who asked him whether the solutions found through divine inspiration were the same at those found through speculative thought. Ibn Arabi responded both yes and no. This meeting is often narrated as the break between Islamic mysticism and philosophy. Could we, however, understand Ibn Arabi's response, and later work, differently? For example, as an extension, rather than simply a rejection, of ways of knowing established in philosophy? These are the ideas underpinning my project.
Recent work has led to a renewed interest in Ibn Arabi. Making use of developments in the digital humanities and using a blended approach, which draws on philology, intellectual history and the study of material culture, this project will engage in a deepened analysis of al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya, "The Meccan Openings", in its original Arabic. The first version of al-Futuhat, Ibn Arabi's magnum opus, was completed in 1231 in Damascus. It is yet to be translated into a European language.
How does Ibn Arabi define the relationship between language, Being and creation in al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya, "The Meccan Openings"? This is the key research question at the heart of my project. This question suggests further sub-questions, including:
- The Arabic word "wujud" is typically translated as "Being", however it can also indicate "finding". How does Ibn Arabi define "wujud"? What is the potential of this definition to extend our understanding of Being? Does it, for example, allow us to think about Being both as a state and a process?
- Ibn Arabi describes the possible levels of Being as in entity, in the mind, in speech and in writing. How is writing a level of Being? Is it, as Agamben suggests, in the way that it acts as a passage between potential and actual? How does Ibn Arabi suggest that speech relates to Being?
- Writing implies reading. How does reading relate to Being? The verb for reading in Arabic indicates both reading and enunciation. How does Ibn Arabi navigate the relationship between orality and textuality in both his theory and practice of language?
The project aims to contribute to current debates around language, Being and creation taking place across the study of religion, philosophy, intellectual history and translation studies. Language is our key medium for self-expression, and as such it is at the heart of individual and collective cultural identity. On a wider level, this project will engage people in a reflection on the meaning and limits of language and its creative potential.
Ibn Arabi grew up within the context of medieval Andalusia, in which Islamic thought was enriched by both Greek and Jewish philosophy. His work, written in Arabic, continues to be important in the study of religion, philosophy and literature in the Middle East and Asia, despite being little known in Europe or North America. Ibn Arabi famously met the philosopher Averroes, who asked him whether the solutions found through divine inspiration were the same at those found through speculative thought. Ibn Arabi responded both yes and no. This meeting is often narrated as the break between Islamic mysticism and philosophy. Could we, however, understand Ibn Arabi's response, and later work, differently? For example, as an extension, rather than simply a rejection, of ways of knowing established in philosophy? These are the ideas underpinning my project.
Recent work has led to a renewed interest in Ibn Arabi. Making use of developments in the digital humanities and using a blended approach, which draws on philology, intellectual history and the study of material culture, this project will engage in a deepened analysis of al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya, "The Meccan Openings", in its original Arabic. The first version of al-Futuhat, Ibn Arabi's magnum opus, was completed in 1231 in Damascus. It is yet to be translated into a European language.
How does Ibn Arabi define the relationship between language, Being and creation in al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya, "The Meccan Openings"? This is the key research question at the heart of my project. This question suggests further sub-questions, including:
- The Arabic word "wujud" is typically translated as "Being", however it can also indicate "finding". How does Ibn Arabi define "wujud"? What is the potential of this definition to extend our understanding of Being? Does it, for example, allow us to think about Being both as a state and a process?
- Ibn Arabi describes the possible levels of Being as in entity, in the mind, in speech and in writing. How is writing a level of Being? Is it, as Agamben suggests, in the way that it acts as a passage between potential and actual? How does Ibn Arabi suggest that speech relates to Being?
- Writing implies reading. How does reading relate to Being? The verb for reading in Arabic indicates both reading and enunciation. How does Ibn Arabi navigate the relationship between orality and textuality in both his theory and practice of language?
The project aims to contribute to current debates around language, Being and creation taking place across the study of religion, philosophy, intellectual history and translation studies. Language is our key medium for self-expression, and as such it is at the heart of individual and collective cultural identity. On a wider level, this project will engage people in a reflection on the meaning and limits of language and its creative potential.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Charles Burnett (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Beatrice Bottomley (Student) |