Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi (1165-1240 CE) was a scholar, philosopher, mystic and poet who has had an immeasurable influence on Sufi development through the centuries, and in his time was called Shaikh al Akbar, or ‘the greatest Shaikh.’  He was born in Spain, his father from an ancient Arabic family connected with the legendary poet and example of generosity  Hatim al Tai, and his mother from a noble Berber tribe with strong roots in North Africa.  He began his intellectual education in Seville, and after travelling extensively throughout his life, passed away in Damascus. Some 800 works have been attributed to him, although not all have been authenticated.  The verses quoted here are the first portion of ‘The Prayer for Spiritual Elevation and Protection,’ and it should be understood that the quotations at the conclusion of the verses are Quranic references, each of which could be the subject of deep contemplation.

In the Name of Allah, the All-Compassionate, the Most Merciful

1. O Allah! O You who are the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsisting! In You I establish y protection : shelter me with the wielding, protective sufficiency and safeguarding, the reality and proof, the stronghold and security of “In the Name of Allah.”
2. Admit me, O You who are the First and Last, to the hidden domain of the unknowable, secret and encompassing treasure of “As Allah wills! There is no power save in Allah.”
3. Unfurl over me, O You who choose Clemency over censure, who Veil in protection, the sheltering wing, the covering veil, the preservation and deliverance of “Hold fast to the bond of Allah.”
4. Build around me, O You who are the All-Encompassing, the All-Powerful, the secure, encircling wall, the glorious canopy, the might and majesty of “That is better, that is of the signs of Allah.”
5. Place me under Your protection O You who are Observant of all need and Responsive to all requests : preserve my soul and faith, my family and children, my home and estate, through the watchfulness, protectiveness and timely relief and assistance of “But Satan will  not hurt them anything, save by the leave of Allah.”

Tr. Suha Taji-Farouki