الوصف
Abstract: The issue of “gnosis/knowledge” (al-ʿirfān) stands out as being of paramount importance in Islamic philosophy and several philosophers in turn have focused on it. Ibn Sīnā (Avicenna, d. 1037) is no exception since he devoted Part Four of his book “al Ishārāt wa al-tanbīhāt” (Remarks and Admonitions), precisely the ninth and tenth chapters, to deal with this issue. His interest in the same question was further expressed in other Epistles of his, such as “The Recital of the bird” and “The Recital of Hayy ibn Yaqzān.” Since it is of crucial importance in the history of Islamic thought, gnosis has been the subject of a number of studies and research projects which have helped to clarify the meanings and features of Sufism in the Avicennian philosophy. Adding to earlier research, with this article we set out to explore various facets of the issue especially regarding the stages of gnosis as well as the distinction between the “Gnostics/ Knowers” (al-ʿārifīn) and the prophets. We also draw attention to the impossibility of explaining the true meaning of Sufism according to Avicenna without a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles of his philosophical thought, in particular his own psychological and metaphysical conceptions.
Keywords: The gnostic/the knower, the ascetic, the prophet, conjunction, world of saintliness.
