Mawaqi' al-Nujum (literally: "The Decents of the Stars" or "The Locations of the Stars") is one of Ibn Arabi’s earliest works, composed in 595 AH (1198 CE) for his disciple, Badr al-Habashi. The full title, Mawaqi' al-Nujum wa-Matali' Ahillat al-Asrar wa-al-'Ulum (The Locations of the Stars and the Rising of the Crescent Moons of Secrets and Sciences), gives insight into its purpose: it is a practical guide mapping out the spiritual stations and states of the traveler on the path to Allah.
However, the most remarkable structural feature of the book is its depiction of a of spiritual development. According to the text, each stage represents a "twilight" where the seeker’s heart reacts to the earthly, visible world, followed by a "dawn" where the soul reacts to the higher, divine world. mawaqi al-nujum english pdf
Ibn Arabi stated that this book "dispenses with the master," meaning it provides such comprehensive guidance that a student could theoretically progress spiritually without a physical mentor. Mawaqi' al-Nujum (literally: "The Decents of the Stars"
"Mawaqi al-Nujum" is a treasure trove of ancient astronomical knowledge, offering insights into the understanding of the universe and its workings. The English PDF version of this text provides an accessible gateway for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts to explore the rich heritage of Islamic astronomy. Whether you are an astronomer, historian, or simply a curious individual, "Mawaqi al-Nujum" is an invaluable resource that will deepen your appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the stars. According to the text, each stage represents a
It is crucial to distinguish Ibn al-‘Arabi‘s work from broader astrological traditions. While it uses cosmic metaphors, Mawaqi al-Nujum is not a work of , which seeks to predict earthly events from celestial movements. The belief in stars‘ influence on human fate was widespread in the medieval world, and scholars like Abu Ma’shar (d. 886 CE) produced extensive works on the subject—works that are now available in authoritative English translations with parallel Arabic text.