The Essence of the Concept of Wahdat Al-Wujud in Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi's Sufism: An Analysis Based on the “Risalat Al-Wujudiyya”

This article provides a scholarly analysis of the concept of Wahdat al-Wujud (Oneness of Existence) in the Sufi philosophy of Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi, focusing on its theological, metaphysical, and epistemological dimensions. The study aims to explore the essence of Divine Oneness (wahdaniyat), Singularity (fardaniyat), and Self-Subsistence of the Truth (Qayyumiyat al-Haq), as well as the process of spiritual annihilation (fana). Using a qualitative research methodology based on textual analysis, the article examines primary source such Risalat Al-Wujudiyya (Existential Message, رسالة الوجودية) alongside secondary academic interpretations. The research investigates Ibn Arabi’s ontological framework, particularly his distinction between existence (wujud) and non-existence (adam), emphasizing that all creation is a manifestation of Divine reality. It argues that in his teachings, self-awareness is central to understanding existence, as human consciousness serves as a mirror reflecting Divine presence. Furthermore, the study explores how Ibn Arabi’s concept of Haq (The Truth) oscillates between transcendence and immanence, sometimes described as entirely beyond creation and at other times manifesting through it. The findings highlight the paradoxical nature of Ibn Arabi’s metaphysics, where the perception of unity depends on an individual’s level of spiritual realization. The research contributes to the broader discourse on Islamic mysticism by clarifying the epistemological implications of Wahdat al-Wujud and its impact on Sufi thought.