Book cover of The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn Al-Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination

Book description

"For the first time in the history of Orientalism, a thorough study of Ibn al-'Arabi's thought is now available. William Chittick has given us a translation of numerous passages from the work of the Magister Magnus and placed them in their theological context, thus removing many misunderstandings that have prevailed…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked The Sufi Path of Knowledge as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book was a revelation for me when it came out, and I continue to use it as both reference and a source of new ideas and inspiration. The author felicitously combines a deeply personal perspective on Sufism’s greatest thinker Ibn ‘Arabi (1165–1240) with academic rigor and precision in translation. His comments on Ibn ‘Arabi’s teachings are unobtrusive and helpful in navigating the Sufi master’s breathtaking exploration of the universe that he presents, paradoxically, as a giant reflection of the [self-]image and imagination of the Divine Absolute. The subtle interaction of mundane and divine imaginations determines how we ourselves imagine…

This book quite literally rocked my world when I read it in my early twenties, leaving me wondering where the great Sufi philosopher Ibn ‘Arabi had been all my life. In unparalleled fashion, master translator and interpreter of Sufi texts William Chittick takes readers into Ibn ‘Arabi’s universe by carefully outlining the Master’s teachings in his own words, and on his own terms. The only condition I would say one must fulfill before reading this book is to have the willingness to see with what Ibn ‘Arabi calls “two eyes”—the eye of reason and intelligence, and the eye of imagination…

From Mohammed's list on The best books on Sufi philosophy.

If you love The Sufi Path of Knowledge...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Want books like The Sufi Path of Knowledge?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Sufi Path of Knowledge.

Browse books like The Sufi Path of Knowledge

Book cover of The Garden of Truth: The Vision and Promise of Sufism, Islam's Mystical Tradition
Book cover of Creation and the Timeless Order of Things: Essays in Islamic Mystical Philosophy
Book cover of The Tao of Islam: A Sourcebook on Gender Relationships in Islamic Thought

Share your top 3 reads of 2026!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

186

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Sufi Path of Knowledge, you might also like...

Book cover of Creativity, Teaching, and Natural Inspiration

Creativity, Teaching, and Natural Inspiration by Mark Doherty,

I have woven numerous delightful and descriptive true life stories, many from my adventures as an outdoorsman and singer songwriter, into my life as a high school English teacher. I think you'll find this work both entertaining as well as informative, and I hope you enjoy the often lighthearted repartee…

Book cover of AcClaim

AcClaim by Jean Thesquare,

AcClaim is a dark, high-society romance about Beatrix Winslow-Hale, a successful romance author who believes desire can be negotiated and controlled—until enigmatic billionaire Dorian Wolker crosses the line between consensual surrender and violation. Publicly humiliated and emotionally shattered, Beatrix turns to Manon de Rochemaure, her fiercely loyal best friend and…

5 book lists we think you will like!