A Critical Examination of Abrar Ahmed Shahi's New Edition of Ibn al-Arabi's "Insha al-Dawair"

Muhyiddin Ibn al-Arabi (1165-1240) stands as a towering figure in the landscape of Islamic mysticism and philosophy, his extensive body of work continuing to shape and influence Sufi thought across centuries . Revered by many as "the Great Master," his profound exploration of the "Unity of Being" (Wahdat al-Wujud) and the intricate relationship between the divine and the created realm has cemented his legacy as a pivotal intellectual and spiritual leader . Among his numerous treatises, "Insha al-Dawair" – often translated as "The Description of the Encompassing Circles" – holds a significant place, offering a concentrated yet profound exposition of key aspects of his metaphysical system . Given the foundational nature of Ibn al-Arabi's contributions to Islamic thought, the availability of accurate and reliable editions of his works is of paramount importance for scholars and enthusiasts alike . The circulation of classical Arabic texts, particularly those from earlier periods, is often fraught with imperfections arising from centuries of manual transcription and transmission. In the specific context of Ibn al-Arabi's complex and nuanced writings, such textual ambiguities can unfortunately lead to serious misunderstandings and misinterpretations of his intended meaning . Therefore, the meticulous work of textual criticism, culminating in the production of scholarly critical editions, plays an indispensable role in ensuring the integrity and accessibility of these seminal works.

Insha al-Dawair

"Insha al-Dawair" occupies a noteworthy position within Ibn al-Arabi's intellectual output, distinguished by its aim to articulate profound truths concerning the connection between the Creator and His creations in a manner accessible to a diverse audience . Guided by what he perceived as divine inspiration, Ibn al-Arabi embarked on this treatise with the explicit intention of rendering complex metaphysical concepts comprehensible not only to those already possessing deep spiritual insight but also to individuals who might grapple with the intricacies of such ideas . Notably, the treatise was composed in Tunis for the benefit of his disciple, Badr al-Ḥabashī, indicating a personalized pedagogical intention behind its creation . The core of "Insha al-Dawair" delves into the fundamental philosophical concepts of existence and non-existence . Ibn al-Arabi meticulously explores the recognition of these two seemingly opposing states, asserting that within any given entity, there exist relative aspects of both existence and non-existence . He further elucidates the distinction between the absolute affirmation or negation of a thing's being and the concept of relative existence and non-existence, demonstrating how these two seemingly contradictory states can indeed coexist within the same subject . Beyond this central theme, the treatise outlines what Ibn al-Arabi identifies as four degrees of being, a hierarchy that excludes God the Exalted, and three distinct modes of existence. These modes encompass a thing's existence in its essential reality (ʿayn), its existence within divine knowledge, its existence in speech, and finally, its existence in writing . The work further elaborates on the foundational principles of Ibn al-Arabi's broader metaphysical framework and elucidates the esteemed rank of the human being within the cosmic order . A distinctive feature of "Insha al-Dawair" is its utilization of diagrams and tables as integral tools for conveying these intricate concepts, suggesting an effort to engage the reader on both an intellectual and a potentially more intuitive level . The treatise, therefore, serves as a significant, albeit concise, entry point into understanding the core tenets of Ibn al-Arabi's cosmology and ontology, addressing fundamental questions about the nature of reality and the divine in a manner intended for both the initiated and the seeker.

New critical edition

The recent critical edition of "Insha al-Dawair" by Abrar Ahmed Shahi emerges as a significant contribution to the field, presented as a highly reliable and meticulously authenticated version of this important text . This claim of superior accuracy is rooted in the extensive research and thorough consultation of exceptionally rare manuscripts undertaken in its preparation . Addressing a common challenge in the study of classical Arabic texts, Shahi's edition incorporates vowel marks (diacritics) on the majority of words, significantly enhancing the clarity and accessibility of the text for contemporary readers who may not be accustomed to reading undotted Arabic script . Furthermore, the edition includes annotations throughout, providing valuable insights into the editorial process by indicating comparisons made between different manuscript versions and the corrections implemented . This level of transparency is crucial for scholarly rigor, allowing other researchers to understand and evaluate the editorial choices made. Notably, in the description of the Manisa Manuscript, there is a reference to a comparison having been made with what is believed to be the Sheikh's original manuscript, alongside an explicit acknowledgement of the efforts dedicated to ensuring the edition's accuracy . This detail further reinforces the authority and trustworthiness of Shahi's work. Additionally, the mention of an intriguing cryptic seal or symbol found at the end of the Manisa Manuscript opens up a potential avenue for future scholarly inquiry into the manuscript's history and significance .

Manuscript sources:

Abrar Ahmed Shahi's critical edition of "Insha al-Dawair" draws upon a carefully selected collection of five key manuscripts . These manuscripts, each with its own unique history and characteristics, form the textual basis for this new edition.

• The Manisa Manuscript - 1143 (Code: M) holds particular significance due to its early transcription date of 655 AH (Islamic calendar) and the identity of its scribe, Muhammad bin Abdul Qadir bin Abdul Khaliq al-Ansari, who was a close associate of Sheikh Akbar (Ibn al-Arabi) . Considered one of the most important copies of the treatise, it is believed to be derived from a text transcribed by Abdullah Badr al-Habashi, another individual closely connected to Ibn al-Arabi . The manuscript is written in the clear Naskh script and includes vowel marks, enhancing its legibility . Annotations are present throughout, indicating comparisons and corrections made, further highlighting its scholarly value . The treatise concludes on page 140 of this manuscript, and importantly, it contains a mention of a comparison having been made with the Sheikh's original manuscript . This manuscript is part of a larger compilation comprising ten treatises by Sheikh Akbar, offering valuable context for the study of "Insha al-Dawair" . The early date and direct links to Ibn al-Arabi's circle underscore the potential authority of this manuscript in establishing the original reading of the text.

• The Wali al-Din - 1686 (Code: W) manuscript, currently housed in the Bayezid Library in Istanbul, is another valuable source. Transcribed in 667 AH (Islamic calendar) in Naskh script, it is believed to have been copied by a student of Sheikh Sadr al-Din Qunawi, Ibn al-Arabi's son-in-law and a key interpreter of his teachings . While the precise original source for this copy is not explicitly mentioned, its association with Qunawi's students suggests a reliable transmission of the text. The handwriting in this manuscript is described as clear, although it lacks diacritical marks, and the titles are distinguished by being written in red ink . This manuscript forms part of a collection containing more than nine books and treatises that were reportedly found in Ibn al-Arabi's house . The connection to a student of a prominent figure in the Akbarian tradition lends weight to the textual integrity of this manuscript.

• The Bayezid - 3750 (Code: B) manuscript, also preserved in the Bayezid Library in Istanbul, is considered an ancient copy of the treatise . Its transcription utilizes both red and black ink, with titles highlighted in red for clarity . Notably, there are visible signs of comparisons and corrections made in the margins, indicating a level of scholarly engagement with the text during its copying or subsequent review . While the specific transcription date for "Insha al-Dawair" within this manuscript is not provided, another treatise within the same collection is dated 782 AH (Islamic calendar) and was transcribed in Aleppo, possibly by Isa ibn Ibrahim al-Sarmati . This manuscript is part of a larger collection comprising over 20 books and treatises authored by Ibn al-Arabi . The marginalia suggest a careful approach to transcription and a potential awareness of textual variations.

• The Fatih - 5298 (Code: F) manuscript is located in the Suleymaniye Library in Istanbul and was transcribed in 783 AH (Islamic calendar) . Similar to the Bayezid manuscript, it employs both red and black ink, with titles written in red and the main text in black . Evidence of comparisons and corrections in the margins is also present in this copy . The manuscript concludes with a colophon stating that it was completed on Monday, the second of Sha'ban al-Mukarram in the year 783 Hijri, according to the Prophetic calendar, and was transcribed by Ali ibn Isa ibn Muhammad ibn Jabir . The detailed dating and identification of the scribe provide valuable information for manuscript studies, although the specific source manuscript used for comparison is not mentioned.

• Finally, the Fakhr al-Din Khurasani (Code: F) manuscript represents a valuable addition from a personal library in Pakistan, with a digital scan image available through the Ibn al-Arabi Foundation . This manuscript was transcribed in 814 AH (Islamic calendar) in the city of Zabid, Yemen, as part of a larger collection of over 60 books and treatises by Ibn al-Arabi . The entire collection was transcribed onto large pages, and the style of writing suggests that the scribe worked with some haste . Despite this, there are clear indications of comparisons and corrections made in the margins, enhancing its scholarly significance . The wording in this manuscript is noted to closely resemble the original, and red and black ink were used in its production, with poetry integrated within the main text rather than being separated . The availability of a digital scan underscores the editor's utilization of modern resources in his critical edition.

Methodology

The methodology employed by Abrar Ahmed Shahi in the creation of this critical edition is characterized by a commitment to thoroughness and accuracy. The assertion that the edition's preparation involved "extensive research and consultation with extremely rare manuscripts" speaks to a deep engagement with the available textual sources. The emphasis placed on the rigorous investigation of Arabic texts stems from a recognition of the potential for imperfections to lead to misunderstandings in the study of Ibn al-Arabi's complex thought . The strategic selection and utilization of five distinct manuscripts, originating from different time periods and geographical locations, strongly suggests a comprehensive approach to textual collation. By examining multiple independent witnesses to the text, Shahi aimed to identify variations, resolve ambiguities, and ultimately establish the most reliable reading possible. The specific mention of employing a digital scan for the Fakhr al-Din Khurasani manuscript highlights the integration of modern technological tools within the editorial process, facilitating detailed analysis and comparison. Furthermore, the designation of this publication as a "Reviewed and Corrected 2nd Edition" implies a process of building upon prior scholarly work, likely referencing H.S. Nyberg's earlier edition from 1919 , and incorporating refinements based on the current, more extensive manuscript analysis. The deliberate inclusion of vowel marks and annotations throughout the edition further underscores a methodological focus on enhancing both the accessibility and the scholarly transparency of the text. These editorial choices demonstrate a commitment to making Ibn al-Arabi's work more readily understandable while also providing a clear record of the textual decisions made during the critical editing process.

The significance of Abrar Ahmed Shahi's critical edition of "Insha al-Dawair" for the scholarly community is considerable. By providing a more accurate and reliable text, this edition offers a stronger foundation for future research and interpretation of Ibn al-Arabi's profound ideas, especially when compared to potentially flawed or incomplete earlier editions . The inclusion of vowel marks and detailed annotations significantly enhances the accessibility of the text, making it more approachable for a wider audience, including students and researchers who may not possess advanced skills in reading classical Arabic manuscripts . This increased accessibility has the potential to foster a broader and deeper engagement with Ibn al-Arabi's work, leading to a greater understanding and appreciation of his enduring intellectual legacy. Moreover, the meticulous preparation of this Arabic edition contributes to the crucial task of preserving and disseminating key texts of Islamic mysticism, ensuring the continued availability of this rich intellectual heritage for future generations . Beyond this specific edition, the broader work of Abrar Ahmed Shahi and the Ibn al-Arabi Foundation in editing and translating Ibn al-Arabi's works into Urdu plays a vital role in bridging linguistic divides and making these important texts accessible to a significant linguistic community, further expanding the global reach and understanding of Ibn al-Arabi's thought.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ibn al-Arabi's "Insha al-Dawair" remains a vital treatise for comprehending the fundamental aspects of his metaphysical system, particularly his exploration of existence and non-existence. Abrar Ahmed Shahi's new critical edition represents a significant contribution to the field of Islamic studies. Through its meticulous preparation, informed by the careful examination of multiple rare manuscripts, and the inclusion of valuable editorial features such as vowel marks and annotations, this edition offers a more reliable and accessible version of this important work. Shahi's dedication to textual accuracy and clarity will undoubtedly benefit scholars and readers seeking a deeper and more nuanced understanding of Ibn al-Arabi's profound intellectual legacy. This critical edition stands as a testament to the ongoing importance of rigorous scholarship in preserving and promoting the study of classical Islamic texts for the enrichment of future generations.

Works Cited

“Inshāʼ Al-dawāʼir | Rasāʼil Ibn Al-ʻArabī | Arabic Critical Edition | PDF Only.” Ibn Al-Arabi Foundation.

“Abrar Ahmed Shahi – Ibn al-Arabi Foundation.” Ibn Al-Arabi Foundation.

“Abrar Ahmed Shahi Archives – Ibn al-Arabi Books.” Ibn al-Arabi Books.

“Inshāʾ al-dawāʾir.” Anqa Publishing.

“Ibn ‘Arabî.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

“Rasail Ibn al-Arabi | Insha al-Dawair & Taj al-Tarajum | انشاء الدوائر اور تاج التراجم.” Ibn al-Arabi Books.