A Review of Similarities between Hakim Tirmizi and Ibn Arabi, with Regard to the Issue of wilayat (authority)

Abstract

Wilayat (authority) is one of the most important issues in theoretical Sufism. The main reason for dealing with this epistemic issue in Islamic mysticism is perhaps rooted in Islamic texts, especially the Quran, which has led to numerous interpretations and views provided by commentators. In the meantime, the mystical interpretations have had a significant role in changing the meaning and concept of the term and in proposing various discussions in this regard. Among these views, it can be referred to the view of Hakim Tirmizi, Iranian Sufi in the fifth century and that of Ibn Arabi, the founder of theoretical Sufism in the seventh century. The importance of the discussion lies in the fact that there are significant doctrinal and rhetorical similarities between these two famous Sufis, such that the influence of Tirmizi's view on Ibn Arabi cannot be ignored or denied. Proposing the theory of the need for wilayat (authority) and wali (religious authority), the concept of preference of wilayat over prophecy, the characteristics of true wali of the Most High God, and finally the concept and instance of seal of wilayat and seal of prophecy are among the key issues related to wilayat. The present paper seeks to study these issues from the view of Tirmizi and Ibn Arabi's views due to their particular importance in order to find their views and refer to their doctrinal similarities.