Bennett & Alam/Sufism, Pluralism & Democracy, 9. Looking Inside the Heart

Muhyi al-Din Ibn al-‘Arabi (d. 1240) is known as a master of theoretical Islamic mysticism and Maulana Jalal al-Din Rumi (d. 1273) is known for his appeal of humanity and love. This paper aims to explain religious pluralism by referring its place in Ibn al-‘Arabi’s Fusus al-Hikam and Maulana Rumi’s Mathnawi Manawi. The paper also examines the relationship between humans and God, relationship between God and different faiths, and of Jesus as reflected in these two masterpieces of Sufism. Thus, this paper will focus on these two Sufi masters’ understanding of God and its manifestations, the world, and humanity that lead to religious pluralism, practical tolerance, but also on the existential approach toward others’ faith.