Metaphysic of ‘Act’ in Ibn Arabi’s Thoughts

Abstract

This research tries to analyze Ibn Arabi’s view on ‘Act’ in a metaphysical perspective.  In the medieval era, ‘Act’ was mainly known as ‘Accident’ and ‘insubsistent’ by Muslim theologians and philosophers. The research aims to answer the question whether Ibn Arabi has accepted the prevailing thought or has proposed a new idea. In a direct approach, this paper examines the phrases and texts which refer to the essence of ‘Act’ specifically. Finally, it will be proved that Ibn Arabi has had a specific idea about ‘Act’ which distinguishes him from his precedents and it is closer to Mulla Sadra’s theory regarding ‘Act’. In his view, if the term is used for physical moves and immobility, it accepts the foresaid attributes; but the reality of ‘Act’, or true ‘Act’, is an inner accident which cognates with nature of the ‘Soul’.