Fusus al-Hikam (The Jewels of Wisdom), which Ibn Arabi states was revealed to him in a dream by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Damascus, with the instruction “Bring this forth for people to benefit from it,” is one of the most pivotal, debated, and commented-upon texts in Sufi thought. The work explores 27 distinct Divine wisdoms manifested through the personalities of 27 prophets.
The central axis of the book is the philosophy of *Wahdat al-Wujud* (Unity of Existence). According to Ibn Arabi, Absolute Being is only God. All other created beings are mirrors (manifestations) of God’s names and attributes. God desires to be known (as indicated in the Prophetic tradition concerning the Hidden Treasure) and has created the *Insan al-Kamil* (Perfect Human) as the most perfect mirror for these divine names. The first section, dealing with Adam, elucidates the secret of humanity being the pupil of the universe and God’s vicegerent on earth.
The Unity of Opposites (*Jamʿu al-Azdad*)
In the work, opposites such as good and evil, majesty and beauty, are interpreted as different manifestations of divine names. As exemplified in the story of Pharaoh and Moses, everything ultimately serves a Divine plan. These profound expressions, which sometimes appear to contradict outward legal rulings (*sharīʿa*), have caused fierce debates over the centuries; some scholars have declared those who espouse them *takfir* (unbelievers), while great Sufis like Sadreddin Konewi have systematized and defended them.