The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-hikam) is one of the most influential and controversial books of Islamic civilization. This relatively brief but far-reaching text covers topics such as creation, prayer, the relationship of God with the world, and the interpretation of dreams. Its author, the thirteenth century Andalusian mystic philosopher Ibn al-Arabi, remains a towering figure both in the intellectual and spiritual life of the Muslim world.

Caner Dagli’s “Ringstones of Wisdom” provides a fresh translation of Ibn al-Arabi’s “Fusus al-hikam” and includes a comprehensive introduction and detailed commentary. The commentary, which is nearly as long as the text itself, draws from the long history of commentary on the “Fusus” and presents the material in clear philosophical language, including new insights. The commentary explains Ibn al-Arabi’s metaphysical concepts, technical vocabulary, and the often challenging structure of his prose and poetry. The book is a significant contribution to the study of Sufism and Islamic philosophy, offering scholars a precise and technically sound translation of a complex work. The commentary and clear translation make the book accessible to both specialists and non-specialists in the field, providing new insights into the technical terms and unstudied aspects of the text.

About the Author

Caner K. Dagli is a doctoral candidate in Princeton University’s Department of Near Eastern Studies. He holds a B.A. from Cornell University and an M.A. from George Washington University. His scholarly interests include Sufism, Islamic philosophy in the West, religion and science, and the writings of the seventeenth century Persian philosopher Mulla Sadra, fields in which he has published articles.