The Duality in Ibn ʿArabi’s Metaphysics and Gender-Related Problem of Evil

Imanikhoshkhoo, Mohammadrasool; Mirrahimi, Fatemeh

doi:10.48308/jipt.2025.237245.1569

The Duality in Ibn ʿArabi’s Metaphysics and Gender-Related Problem of Evil

Document Type : Scientific-research

Authors

¹ Department of Religions and Mysticism, Faculty of Theology and Religions, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

² Master's student in Comparative Mysticism, Department of Religions and Mysticism, Faculty of Theology and Religions, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

10.48308/jipt.2025.237245.1569

Abstract

The suffering caused by gender discrimination has led to a specific type of the problem of evil, and consequently, it has created structures in society where women are consistently placed in a lower position compared to men, resulting in their deprivation of nurturing their inherent talents. Part of the factors shaping these structures are beliefs influenced by philosophical and mystical perspectives on humanity and the world. This paper aims to examine the issue of gender in the metaphysics of Ibn ʿArabi, addressing the question of whether deep-seated gender distinctions can have roots in the system of creation. Based on the conducted analysis, the concept of duality from Ibn ʿArabi’s viewpoint permeates all levels of existence, from the divine realm to the realm of creation, establishing a fluid relationship between the two active and passive elements of existence, which correspond to the masculine and feminine elements, and it is not possible to draw a stark boundary between femininity and masculinity.

Keywords

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