Ibn Sabin

Abd al-Haqq ibn Sab'in al-Mursi, also known as Ibn Sab'in, was an Arab Sufi philosopher from al-Andalus, born in 1217 in modern-day Ricote, Murcia. His philosophical leanings have been described in various ways, including Neoplatonic, Peripatetic, Pythagorean, Hermeticist, alchemist, heterodox Sufi, and pantheist, though no single label fully captures his thought. He possessed extensive knowledge of esotericism and was well-versed in Islamic and other religious traditions. Ibn Sab'in faced criticism throughout his life, often from those who lacked a deep understanding of his writings, with many accusations being invalidated by his own texts. He is most renowned for his responses to a series of philosophical questions posed by Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, which were compiled and published as *al-Kalam 'ala al-Masa'il as-Siqiliya* (Discourse on the Sicilian Questions). This work gained Western attention in the 19th century. Beyond the Sicilian Questions, his significant work is *Budd al-Arif* (The Essential of the Gnostic), known for its composite and cryptic writing style. In *Budd al-Arif*, Ibn Sab'in sharply criticized Averroes, viewing him as a fanatic Aristotelian. Ibn Sab'in died in Mecca around March 21, 1271 (669 AH), under suspicious circumstances, with accounts differing between poisoning and suicide, although evidence suggests the suicide narrative may be fabricated.