An Analysis of the Mystical and Ontological Foundations of the Relationship Between Tolerance and Religious Unity in Ibn Arabi's Thought

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Doctoral student in Islamic Sufism and Mysticism, Semnan University

2 Department of Religions and Mysticism, Faculty of Humanities, Semnan University

3 Department of Religions and Mysticism Faculty of Humanities Semnan University

10.22111/jrm.2025.52867.1311

Abstract

In Ibn Arabi's thought, the doctrines of “tolerance” and “the unity of religions” hold a distinguished position, rooted in his mystical ontology and anthropology. This article employs a descriptive-analytical method to elucidate the relationship between tolerance and religious unity in Ibn Arabi's mysticism. For Ibn Arabi, tolerance is not merely an ethical virtue but a divine manifestation of God's Beautiful Names (Asmāʾ al-Ḥusnā), embodied in the conduct of prophets and saints. Drawing on mystical principles such as “waḥdat al-wujūd” (the Oneness of Being), “the manifestation of divine names”, “human existential poverty” (faqr), and “the inherent dignity of creatures”, he advocates tolerance toward all beings—including unbelievers and polytheists.
Moreover, his theory of the unity of religions links the concept of religion (dīn) to submission (islām) and connects diverse religious laws (sharāʾiʿ) to the “multiplicity of divine names”, providing a framework to reconcile religious plurality with metaphysical unity. While affirming the validity of all monotheistic traditions, Ibn Arabi regards Islam as the perfect manifestation of God's all-encompassing name (al-Ism al-Jāmiʿ) and the Muhammadan Sharīʿa as the consummate abrogator of previous laws. By analyzing Ibn Arabi's intellectual system, this article demonstrates how his mystical paradigm offers an alternative to exclusivist approaches in religious studies—one that remains profoundly relevant to contemporary interfaith dialogue.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Comparative Study of Religions and Mysticism

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 04 May 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 06 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 05 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 13 December 2025

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