Avicenna terminology vs ibn arabi

 Ibn 'Arabi's ideology built upon, and significantly altered, the philosophical terminology of Ibn Sina, particularly in his understanding of existence (wujud) and the relationship between God and creation. While Ibn Sina focused on a structured philosophical system, including discussions on necessary existence, Ibn 'Arabi expanded and transformed these concepts, introducing ideas like the "unity of existence" (wahdat al-wujud) and the "necessary mercy" of God, which influenced his mystical and theological views. 

Here's a more detailed look at the transformation:

1. Necessary Existence (Wujud) and Necessary Mercy:

• Ibn Sina:

  Ibn Sina's work centered around the concept of "necessary existence" as the ultimate source of all being. He posited that God, as the necessary being, was the foundation from which all other entities derived their existence.
• Ibn 'Arabi:

  Ibn 'Arabi, while acknowledging the importance of necessary existence, shifted the focus to "necessary mercy." He argued that God's mercy is the fundamental attribute from which all other attributes and the creation itself emanate. This shifted emphasis highlights the dynamic and loving nature of God's relationship with the universe. 

2. The Unity of Existence (Wahdat al-Wujud):

• Ibn Sina:

  Ibn Sina's philosophy was more focused on a hierarchical structure of being, where entities were distinct and separate, albeit interconnected through causality. 
• Ibn 'Arabi:

  Ibn 'Arabi developed the concept of "wahdat al-wujud," which emphasizes the unity of all existence. He argued that all things, including God, are manifestations of the single, ultimate reality. This view emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all things, suggesting that God is present in every aspect of reality. 

3. The Role of Divine Names (Asma al-Husna):

• Ibn Sina:

  Ibn Sina's understanding of divine names primarily focused on their role in describing God's attributes and functions.
• Ibn 'Arabi:

  Ibn 'Arabi expanded the concept of divine names, viewing them as expressions of God's relation to creation. He also saw them as a way for humans to understand and connect with God through these names. 

4. Mystical and Theological Expansions:

• Ibn Sina:

  Ibn Sina's philosophical framework, while acknowledging the spiritual realm, remained grounded in rational and logical arguments. 
• Ibn 'Arabi:

  Ibn 'Arabi's ideology incorporated elements of mysticism and Sufism. He utilized the language of Sufi mysticism and introduced concepts like the "imaginal world" to explain the intermediate realm between the visible and unseen. 

In essence, Ibn 'Arabi built upon Ibn Sina's philosophical groundwork but transformed it into a more mystical and expansive system. He reinterpreted Ibn Sina's concepts of existence, divine names, and the relationship between God and creation to develop his own unique theological and philosophical framework.