Shabeer Ahmad Lone
“My heart has become capable of every form: it is a pasture for gazelles and a convent for Christian monks, and a temple for idols, and the Kaaba of the pilgrim, and the tablets of the Torah, and the book of the Qur’an. I follow the religion of Love: whatever way Love’s camels take, that is my religion and my faith.”
Ibn Arabi
The metaphysical worldview of Ibn Arabi (1165–1240), one of the most influential Sufi mystics and philosophers, anchored in profound concept of Wahdat al-Wujūd (the Unity of Being), fundamentally transforms our understanding of existence, divine nature, and religious identity. At its core, Ibn Arabi’s philosophy dissolves the artificial boundaries that separate the sacred from the mundane, the divine from the human, and religious identity from the broader spiritual truth. In his view, every aspect of creation, from the smallest atom to the most distant star, reflects the unchanging essence of the Divine. All existence-every being, every object, and every tradition-is an emanation of God’s reality, unfolding within the grand tapestry of a single, indivisible Being. This radical vision not only shatters the conventional dualisms that underlie most theological discourse but also invites a radically inclusive approach to understanding faith and existence. Religious distinctions, which seem so entrenched on the surface, become secondary to the profound unity that lies beneath them.
Ibn Arabi’s mystical experience allows him to perceive this deep unity, and he offers a compelling vision that all religions-despite their outward differences-are essentially varied expressions of the same eternal truth. In this sense, religious tolerance, far from being a mere intellectual or political stance, becomes a metaphysical and ethical imperative rooted in the fundamental oneness of existence. This worldview calls us to transcend the limitations of dogma and to see all religious paths, no matter how diverse, as legitimate ways to access the infinite divine presence that permeates all things.
The implications of this idea for religious tolerance are profound. For Ibn Arabi, no religion can claim an exclusive or superior connection to the Divine because the Divine is present in all things, in all beliefs, and in all practices. His mystical experience leads him to a recognition that all religions are, in essence, different expressions of the same eternal truth. These diverse expressions do not contradict each other; rather, they represent varying ways through which humanity experiences and connects with the same Divine reality. This insight gives rise to a deeply inclusive vision, where each religious path is seen as a valid and meaningful route to understanding and union with the Divine.
Ibn Arabi’s vision of religious tolerance and unity is profoundly rooted in the Qur’an, which he interprets through a metaphysical and symbolic lens that highlights the universality of divine truth. Central to his worldview is the verse: “To each among you We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allah had willed, He would have made you one community, but (He willed otherwise) that He may test you in what He has given you. So strive together as in a race toward good deeds” (Qur’an 5:48). Ibn Arabi sees this as a divine affirmation of religious plurality-not as deviation, but as intentional diversity within God’s cosmic plan. Similarly, the verse “We have created you from male and female and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another” (Qur’an 49:13) underscores the idea of multiplicity as a means of spiritual discovery rather than conflict. Another cornerstone of his tolerance is the verse “Indeed, those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians-whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good-shall have their reward with their Lord; no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve” (Qur’an 2:62). Ibn Arabi interprets this not as a temporary concession, but as an enduring ontological principle: God’s mercy and guidance are not confined to a single path or form. These verses, among others, reinforce Ibn Arabi’s assertion that the Divine reveals itself through diverse theophanies (tajalliyāt) suited to the capacities of different communities. His reading of the verse “Wherever you turn, there is the Face of God” (Qur’an 2:115) epitomizes his doctrine of Wahdat al-Wujūd, affirming that the Real (al-Ḥaqq) pervades all directions, forms, and traditions. Thus, for Ibn Arabi, Qur’anic revelation is not the ground for exclusivity but the foundation for a deep metaphysical pluralism, where all sincere religious expressions become windows to the One Divine Reality.
Ibn Arabi’s belief in the interconnectedness of religions is further amplified by his vision of the human heart as a vast container, capable of holding and understanding all forms of divine revelation. His famous declaration cited above illustrates the boundless receptivity of the human heart to the divine. This metaphor not only highlights the fluidity and inclusivity of religious experience but also reflects the essential unity of all religious practices in their deepest essence. By transcending external forms and rituals, Ibn Arabi’s mystical perspective reveals the core truth that all religions, in their highest expression, lead to the same Divine reality.
This deeply holistic and integrated view of religious pluralism is rooted in Ibn Arabi’s conception of divine mercy. For him, God’s mercy (rahma) is not exclusive to any particular group or tradition. Instead, it is a universal attribute, reflecting God’s infinite compassion toward all of creation. His teachings emphasize that God’s mercy envelops all beings, regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof. This understanding calls for a profound sense of humility and empathy toward others, recognizing that every person, regardless of their religious background, is a manifestation of divine mercy.
At the core of Ibn Arabi’s approach to tolerance is his emphasis on love as the ultimate spiritual path. For Ibn Arabi, love is the force that unites all religions and all beings, transcending doctrinal divides and personal differences. He frequently writes that the true path of religion is the religion of love, one that sees beyond the forms and labels of religious identity and recognizes the divine light that shines in all things. His famous statement, “I follow the religion of Love: whatever way Love’s camels take, that is my religion and my faith,” captures this sentiment perfectly.
The concept of the Perfect Man (Insān al-Kāmil) is integral to Ibn Arabi’s vision of religious tolerance. This archetype represents the ideal of spiritual and moral perfection, embodying the ability to transcend individual religious identities and see the Divine in all people. The Perfect Man is the one who, having realized the unity of existence, sees beyond the limitations of creed and instead recognizes the divine essence in every face. This ideal is not only a theological concept but a practical model for human behavior, encouraging people to rise above sectarianism and approach one another with love and respect.
Ibn Arabi’s metaphysical insights offer a refreshing counterpoint to the exclusivism and rigidity that often characterize religious thinking. By emphasizing the relative nature of religious forms-rituals, practices, symbols, and even creeds-he urges humanity to focus on the inner essence of religion rather than its outer manifestations. He notes that while religious forms may differ, their underlying aim is the same: to bring the soul closer to the Divine. His warning against religious rigidity is captured in his famous exhortation:
“Do not attach yourself to any particular creed exclusively so that you disbelieve in all the rest; otherwise you will lose much good, nay, you will fail to recognize the real truth of the matter. God, the omnipresent and omnipotent, is not limited by any one creed.”
This admonition is a call for spiritual flexibility, a reminder that true spiritual insight transcends the constraints of dogma and embraces the diversity of religious expression.
Ibn Arabi’s conception of religious tolerance is also deeply informed by his experiences of divine encounters, particularly with the figures of Jesus (ʿIsa A.S) and Muhammad (pbuh). In his mystical visions, he often depicted Jesus as the embodiment of divine love and mercy, while Muhammad (pbuh), represented the outer, mercy, social order, bringing the final revelation for humanity. Ibn Arabi does not see these two figures as opposites or rivals; rather, he views them as complementary aspects of the same divine truth. The light of Muhammad(pbuh) and the light of Jesus are one, he writes, despite their different revelations and historical contexts.
The relevance of Ibn Arabi’s teachings on religious tolerance is increasingly significant in today’s world, where interfaith dialogue and cooperation are more necessary than ever. His insights provide not only a metaphysical foundation for understanding religious pluralism but also a practical framework for navigating the complexities of religious difference. In a time when divisions between religious communities can seem insurmountable, Ibn Arabi’s teachings offer a vision of a world in which differences are not feared or condemned but embraced as part of the divine plan.
The closing reflection on Ibn Arabi’s legacy brings to light the unparalleled relevance of his teachings in the contemporary world, where division and conflict often define the religious landscape. His vision offers a model of religious understanding and interfaith dialogue that is not merely theoretical but deeply spiritual and profoundly practical. At a time when humanity is increasingly aware of its interconnectedness, Ibn Arabi’s metaphysical perspective on religious tolerance offers a transformative pathway forward-a way of embracing religious diversity not as a challenge to be overcome but as a divine design to be celebrated. His call for tolerance is not born from complacency or empty acceptance; rather, it is grounded in a deep spiritual engagement that invites each individual to recognize the divine within all others, regardless of their religious affiliations or beliefs. This is not a call for superficial harmony but a profound recognition that the divine, in its infinite mercy, resides in all expressions of faith. Ibn Arabi’s teachings urge us to engage with one another in a manner that transcends sectarianism and divisiveness, fostering a compassionate and unified humanity. His timeless message-rooted in the highest ideals of spiritual wisdom and mercy-remains as relevant today as it was when first articulated in the 13th century. By grounding ourselves in this vision, we are invited to cultivate a world where the recognition of the Divine in all things, and in all people, becomes the foundation for true peace and understanding.
Ibn Arabi’s vision of religious tolerance is not an ethical concession or pluralistic diplomacy but is grounded in a rigorous metaphysical doctrine of Wahdat al-Wujūd-the Unity of Being. Scholars such as William Chittick and Michel Chodkiewicz have argued that Ibn Arabi’s ontology of divine self-disclosure (tajallī) leaves no space for exclusivist claims to truth. For him, all religious forms are divine self-manifestations suited to different times, cultures, and spiritual capacities. Therefore, rejecting any tradition amounts to rejecting the Divine’s own plurality of expressions. In this sense, tolerance is not a passive acceptance but an active metaphysical realization of the divine reality mirrored in every faith. As Chittick notes, “To deny the legitimacy of another’s religion is to deny the Real’s ability to manifest in diverse ways”. This deeply mystical yet rational framework elevates Ibn Arabi’s thought beyond a mere theological reconciliation-it becomes a profound cosmological necessity. His emphasis on the Perfect Man (Insān al-Kāmil) as the mirror of divine universality reinforces the idea that human beings, at their highest potential, can transcend narrow identities and perceive unity within multiplicity. Thus, Ibn Arabi’s metaphysical tolerance is both a spiritual realization and a political ethic, offering one of the most robust foundations for interfaith harmony in Islamic thought.
Author can be mailed at shabirahmed.lone003@gmail.com