White Cloud Press, in a joint publishing effort with Anqa Publishing in the United Kingdom, presents the first in a series of books on the life and teachings of Ibn ‘Arabi, known throughout the Islamic world as al-Shaykh al-Akbar (the Greatest Master). Relatively unknown in the West until the 20th century, he has been revered by Sufi mystics ever since he first burst upon the Islamic world at the turn of the 13th century. He wrote over 350 books and treatises that are recognized as classics of world spirituality.

The Unlimited Mercifier is a new appreciation of Ibn ‘Arabi, clarifying the meanings and relevance of his life and thought. It serves as a thorough introduction for those new to his work, as well as providing food for contemplation and further study for those already familiar with his genius.

Divided into 5 sections, the book consists of 17 alternating chapters of biography and thought. The biographical chapters chart the historical trajectory of his life, using his own descriptions and the latest research, and richly illustrated with photographs and maps. Every second chapter discusses a facet of his thought, showing their immediate applicability and particular relevance to our modern era.

In Praise of Ibn ‘Arabi

“... the greatest mystical genius of the Arabs... No mystic who came after him was free of his influence, and he has left his mark on all subsequent mystical literature.”
-- A. J. Arberry, translator of The Koran Interpreted and author of Sufism

“Ibn ‘Arabi is one of those rare and powerful spiritual individuals who are the norm of their own orthodoxy and of their own time, because they belong neither to what is commonly called ‘their’ time nor to the orthodoxy of ‘their’ time.”
-- Henri Corbin, Creative Imagination in the Sufism of Ibn ‘Arabi

In Praise of The Unlimited Mercifier

“This new and very welcome book is an important contribution. Stephen Hirtenstein has provided a clear, full and unusually comprehensible account of both the life and teachings of a thinker who is notoriously difficult to translate and explain satisfactorily.”
-- Ralph Austin, translator of Ibn ‘Arabi’s The Bezels of Wisdom

“By far the simplest and most heart-warming rendition of Ibn ‘Arabi and his teachings that I have come across. A wonderful contribution to the integration of spirituality in our modern scientific thinking by making Ibn 'Arabi accessible to the popular mind.”
-- Amit Goswami, professor of Physics, University of Oregon and author of The Self-Aware Universe

About the author

Stephen Hirtenstein is publisher of Anqa Publishing and a board member of the Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi Society. He is author of numerous essays on the life and thought of Ibn ‘Arabi.

Islam / Mysticism
Original Trade Paperback, 304 pages

List Price: $19.95
Sale Price: $14.96

ISBN
1-883991-29-3

Excerpt from The Unlimited Mercifier.