01/07/2026
The Digital Library of Shaykh al-Akbar’s Manuscripts: A Monumental Scholarly and Research Achievement by the Ibn al-Arabi Foundation
The Foundation of Shaykh al-Akbar Muhyiddin Ibn al-Arabi’s Teachings: Manuscript Archiving
In the history of Islamic thought and Sufism, the personality and profound teachings of Shaykh al-Akbar Muhyiddin Ibn al-Arabi (1165–1240 CE) stand as a historic milestone. His works are not mere writings; they are a vast ocean of Divine Truths and spiritual sciences that have quenched the thirst of seekers of knowledge for centuries. However, the most authentic and fundamental gateway to the true teachings and profound insights of any great figure is the manuscripts—the very pages in which their entire legacy of knowledge was preserved. In the modern era, protecting these rare handwritten treasures from deterioration and making them available to researchers in their pristine, original form has been a massive scholarly challenge.
Alhamdulillah! The Ibn al-Arabi Foundation has been dedicated to this sacred mission for over a decade and a half (since 2009), utilizing cutting-edge technology to digitize and archive the rare treatises and manuscripts of Shaykh al-Akbar. The primary objective of the foundation is to safeguard this priceless Islamic heritage and offer free, open access to scholars, researchers, and spiritual seekers worldwide.
Stats at a Glance
The latest statistics from the foundation's digital portal stand as a testament to the sheer scale of this monumental project:
Total Manuscripts: 3,555
Unique Libraries: Over 63 global institutions
In Our Collection: 1,550 unique works/manuscript types
Dated Manuscripts: 878 copies featuring recorded dates
By Renowned Scribes: 550 copies penned by historic calligraphers
Containing Images: 698 manuscripts with illustrations or diagrams
With Descriptions: 665 entries complete with detailed scholarly metadata
Crucial Milestone: Alhamdulillah! To date, we have securely archived over 1,600 highly authentic and core manuscripts, which comprise all the most vital and fundamental codices necessary for accurately understanding the thought of Shaykh al-Akbar.
A Global Union of Great Libraries Under One Roof
Under this project, rare copies have been gathered from the world’s most prestigious and historic repositories, primarily focusing on the elite libraries of Turkey and other Islamic countries:
Reşid Efendi Library
Halet Efendi Library
Veliyuddin Efendi Library
İbrahim Efendi Library
Atıf Efendi Library
Esad Efendi Library
The archives also seamlessly integrate precious collections from historic centers such as Cârullah (Jarullah), Laleli, Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), Manisa, Yeni Cami, Murad Molla, Fazıl Ahmed Paşa, and Hacı Ali Saib Efendi, alongside dozens of other classical seats of learning.
The Most Vital and Rarest Manuscripts
The archive brings together the oldest and most reliable copies of Shaykh al-Akbar’s most celebrated, high-ranking masterworks, including:
Al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya (The Meccan Revelations): The definitive encyclopedia of Sufism. The foundation has meticulously digitized copies of the original autograph manuscript (written in the author's own handwriting) to ensure the text remains entirely safe from any historical alterations or editorial errors.
Fusus al-Hikam (The Bezels of Wisdom): The unparalleled masterpiece on metaphysics and divine gnosis. The oldest and most authoritative handwritten copies, preserved in Konya (Turkey), are made fully accessible here.
Other Treatises and Books: Hundreds of minor and major treatises detailing the intricate nuances of Sufism, spiritual stations, and cosmic realities. These include unique codices bearing the verified seals, ownership marks, and auditory certificates (samāʿāt) of great historical Sufi masters and disciples.
Our Commitment and Mission
In today’s digital age, this portal by the Ibn al-Arabi Foundation stands as a gift to the global academic community, entirely free from bias or commercial interests. We are actively fostering a global community dedicated to Akbarian Studies, where any researcher can directly access these rare treasures right from the comfort of their home.
To expand your journey into knowledge and wisdom, or to study these rare manuscripts firsthand, visit our official website today:
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Access 3,000+ rare Ibn al-Arabi manuscripts in a global digital archive. Search, read, and download for free. A project by Ibn al-Arabi Foundation.
