Reflections on the Meaning of Religion and its Types with an Emphasis on Ibn Arabi`s Thought

The essence of religion is a long-standing phenomenon that has always raised many questions in the minds of researchers in the field. The history of religion, the origin of religion, the nature and definition of religion, types of religion and how it functions individually and socially, are some of the ambiguities that have occupied the minds of philosophers of religion. The longevity of this phenomenon and its surrounding reflections have made the author answer some of these existing challenges only by focusing on the meaning of the true religion and its types from the mystical point of view, especially Ibn Arabi; Therefore, the main question of this study is: what is the meaning of religion and its types with emphasis on Ibn Arabi's thought? The present study shows in a descriptive-analytical way that Ibn Arabi, by dividing the right religion into original religion and secondary religion, has considered the three skeptical meanings of submission, punishment and habit to be included in the former type of religion. Paying attention to these three meanings, while understanding the exact nature of religion, will also reveal many Qur'anic truths in this regard. The division of religion into direct and indirect is another of his divisions.