Semantic Hermeneutics in Ibn-Arabi's Theosophy (through its Anthropological Relations)

The present study aimed to highlight anthropological relations in the semantic hermeneutics. In so doing, semantic hermeneutics is initially defined and the semantic relationship between hermeneutics, interpretation and exegesis is clarified via general and specific definition of interpretation. The paper then discusses positive and negative views of Ibn Arabi on hermeneutics and clarifies personal qualities necessary for hermeneutics. According to Ibn Arabi, hermeneutics is an ontological term about the correspondence of which three books of generation, compilation and the book of soul could be investigated. In other words, all three books manifest the Divine Presence and he is the one who is the interpretation and truth of all three manifestations. Faith, piety and observing the divine law along with perceptiveness, divine sagacity and liberty are the main qualities of an interpreter. The knowledge of a man of hermeneutics is the true faith type and this is another proof for the fact that hermeneutics is not an acquisitive or theoretical science but is in the category of presence and discovery. The emphasis this great mystic had on acquisition of existential qualifications in an interpreter demonstrates his anthropological view on hermeneutics. The present paper concludes that practical philosophy and endeavor are two positive and negative approaches Ibn Arabi had toward dominant hermeneutics.