Sheikh Muhyiddeen Ibn Arabi (rahmatullahi alaihe) was born on the 17th of Ramadan of 560 Hijri in the city of Mucia in Spain. He was a descendant of world-famous benefactor Hatem Tai. Hatem Tai was well known for his generosity both inside and outside of the Arab world.
Sheikh Ibn Arabi (rahmatullahi alaihe) migrated from Spain in 598 Hijri. He passed away at the age of 87 in Damascus on the 28th day of Rabius Sani in 638 Hijri. His love for the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) is unmistakable in every line in his famous book “Fusûs al-Hikam.” In fact, Sheikh Ibn Arabi (rahmatullahi alaihe) composed the book upon instructions from the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam).
In his preface to “Fusûs al-Hikam”, Sheikh Ibn Arabi (rahmatullahi alaihe) writes that he was living in Damascus and it was the last day of the month of Muharram. During this time, Sheikh Ibn Arabi (rahmatullahi alaihe) was blessed with the vision of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in a dream. In the dream, Sheikh Ibn Arabi (rahmatullahi alaihe) saw that the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) carried a book in his blessed hand. The Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) looked at Sheikh Ibn Arabi (rahmatullahi alaihe) and stated: “This book is Fusûs al-Hikam. Take this book and publish it among the people so that they can obtain benefits.” At this, Sheikh Ibn Arabi (radi Allah unhu) replied: “I have listened with all my heart and I will do my utmost to carry out your orders insha Allah.”
Sheikh Ibn Arabi (rahmatullahi alaihe) composed the book for the pleasure of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala and his Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). He wrote the book according to the parameters set by the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). Sheikh Ibn Arabi (rahmatullahi alaihe) states that at the time he was writing the book, he constantly sought refuge in Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala from Satan.
Maolana Rumi was 23 years old and Imam Gazzali (rahmatullahi alaihe) had passed away some 55 years ago when the book was finally completed.
Fusûs al-Hikam was subsequently translated into Urdu by Hazrat Maolana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (rahmatullahi alaihe).
