abstract for conference - um

THE ESOTERIC WISDOM OF IBN AL-ARABI AND
THE PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGIOUS PLURALISM

HASLINA IBRAHIM
RKUD, KIRKH, IIUM

The paper argues on the use of esotericism through which religious pluralism is comprehended a feasible philosophy for understanding the existence of plural religions. Yet, Ibn al-Arabi’s subscriptions to the philosophy remain debatable. The issues at hands are; what is esotericism, and what is/are its special character/s? Why would Ibn al-Arabi chose for esotericism over other approaches? How has Ibn al-Arabi’s esoteric approach been instrumental in supporting the philosophy of religious pluralism? Considering the unique and exclusive nature of esotericism, would religious pluralism be a compatible philosophy to resolve an exoteric problem posed by the existence of plural and diverse forms of religions. Above all, taking into account his voluminous works how do we rightly understand Ibn al-Arabi and underscore his contribution in providing an alternative for comprehending the diversity of religions.