The Tree of Being: An Ode to the Perfect Man.pdf download

The Tree of Being: An Ode to the Perfect Man by Ibn Arabi

About the Book

The Tree of Being (Shajarat al-Kawn in Arabic) is a work by Ibn Arabi, interpreted by Shaykh Tosun Bayrak who also includes here two other short works .

Ibn Arabi (1165-1240) knew and influenced the great men of his time, including Ibn Rushd (Averroes), Jalaluddin Rumi and Suhrawardi, and his influence spread beyond the Islamic world to medieval Europe. Dante shows the influence of Ibn Arabi in the Divine Comedy for example.

The book has four sections. First is the interpreter’s introduction which includes a biography of Ibn Arabi and a discussion of his approach to Sufism.

The second concerns Ibn Arabi’s devotion to the Prophet Muhammad as the perfect man and gives a description of his character and actions.

Third is a listing of the 201 names and attributes of the Prophet. The fourth is an interpretation of The Tree of Being a commentary on the mystical elements of the Qur’an and Islam comprising an inspired description of the cosmos and the perfect man as microcosm

In “Ibn ‘Arabi: The Tree of Being,” Shaykh Toon Bayrak al-Jerrahi al-Halveti provides a profound interpretation of the great Sufi mystic Ibn ‘Arabi’s poem, Shajarat al-kan, or “The Tree of Being.” This beautiful and complex poem is a meditation on the nature of existence, the relationship between God and humanity, and the journey towards spiritual enlightenment.

Through his careful and insightful commentary, Shaykh Toon illuminates the deep spiritual truths contained within Ibn ‘Arabi’s poem, helping readers to understand its symbolism, imagery, and metaphysical concepts. He explores the themes of unity, multiplicity, and the interconnectedness of all things, showing how they are reflected in the structure of the poem itself.

In addition to his interpretation of “The Tree of Being,” Shaykh Toon includes an appendix on the Holy Prophet Muhammad, examining the names and attributes of the Prophet and sharing some of his sayings. He also provides guidance for seekers on the Sufi path, emphasizing the importance of finding a true master and following his guidance with humility and obedience.

About Ibn Arabi

Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi was a prominent Islamic scholar and philosopher born on August 7, 1165, in the city of Murcia, Andalusia. Throughout his life, he faced both admiration and criticism within the Islamic world. He is often referred to as ash-shaykh al-akbar, the greatest of spiritual guides, by those who appreciate his wisdom and insights. However, some labeled him ash-shaykh al-akfar, the greatest of heretics, due to their differing interpretations of his work.

Ibn Arabi’s ideas and writings have had a lasting impact on Islamic thought and Sufi wisdom. His influence extended beyond the Islamic world, reaching medieval Europe. Dante, in his Divina Commedia, was inspired by Ibn Arabi’s works, incorporating themes and concepts from his writings. Today, Ibn Arabi continues to be recognized as a significant expounder of Sufi wisdom, with his works becoming more accessible over time.

During his lifetime, Ibn Arabi faced challenges in being understood by everyone due to the profound nature of his wisdom and insights. He wrote extensively, producing around five hundred books, some of which were the length of long articles, while others were multi-volume works. His expressions of divine mysteries remain unparalleled, and many of his prophecies have come to pass.

In terms of physical appearance, Ibn Arabi was described as a thin, well-proportioned man with delicate features and a white complexion. He possessed a compassionate and gentle nature, viewing everything with love, even his enemies. He detested violence and believed in forgiveness and mercy.

Ibn Arabi embarked on extensive travels throughout his life, visiting various cities across the Islamic world. He met numerous scholars, Sufis, and spiritual guides, deepening his understanding and knowledge. He had visionary experiences during his travels, meeting significant spiritual figures and receiving divine insights.

His spiritual journey reached a pinnacle during his stay in Mecca, where he had intense visionary experiences and encounters with divine knowledge. He also began writing his monumental work, Futuhat al-Makkiyyah, during this period. This work, consisting of eight volumes, is a comprehensive compendium of his unique insights and symbolic teachings.

In his later years, Ibn Arabi settled in Damascus, where he faced both admiration and opposition from scholars and theologians. He strongly criticized the love of money and materialism, emphasizing the importance of spiritual pursuits and purity of heart. Despite facing challenges and criticism, Ibn Arabi’s impact and legacy have endured, making him a revered figure in Islamic philosophy and Sufism.

Ibn Arabi passed away on November 16, 1240, in Damascus. Despite initial challenges and controversies, his teachings and writings continue to be studied and respected, shaping the understanding of Sufi wisdom and Islamic philosophy for generations.