Reality of Isti azah (Seeking Refuge in God) in Viewpoint of Ibn Arabi, Mullasadra and Imam Khomeini

Isti’azah or seeking refuge in a superior power is a sort of invocation to God the believers adhere to when in danger. Reviewing works by such great authors and philosophers as Ibn Arabi, Mulla Sadra and Imam Khomeini it will be understood how they clarify this invocation based on their preferred manners. In Ibn Arabi’s works we can find a lot about the reality of Isti’azah, Mosta’iz (one who seeks refuge), Mosta’az-i-Beh (The Refuge), Mosta’az-i-Menh (the danger, Satan) although they have not been covered as major subject matters. There is no article or reference to Mosta’az La-Ajalah (something because of which the reality of Isti’azah comes to light) in his works. Mulla Sadra classified seeking refuge in God as five pillars namely: Isti’azah, Mosta’iz, Mosta’az-i-Beh, Mosta’az-i-Menh, and Maa Yasta’az-o La-Ajalah. Imam Khomeini, too, begins with explaining about the reality of Isti’azah and continues with its inclusion of four pillars (Mosta’iz, Mosta’az-i-Beh, Mosta’az-i-Menh and Mosta’az La-Ajalah). Ibn Arabi and Imam Khomeini have a philosophical approach toward Isti’azah, while Mulla Sadra has a philosophical-rational approach toward the issue. Despite impressions he has taken in some other issues from Ibn Arabi, Mulla Sadra is completely independent in terms of Isti’azah. Imam Khomeini’s view is in some parts similar to Ibn Arabi’s opinion (specially in terms of Mosta’iz and Mosta’az-i-Beh) and to Mulla Sadra in some other parts (particularly in names and classifications and in ultimate Isti’azah). However, his view is quite different in many other aspects so that it can be studied as an independent view along with Ibn Arabi and Mulla Sadra’s views.