Knowledge of Religions from ‘Abd al-Karīm Jīlī’s Perspective

In this research the viewpoints of ‘Abd al-Karīm Jīlī on religions have been studied. It is thereby indicated how Jīlī, under the influence of Ibn ‘Arabī’s ilāh al-mu‘taqad (the deity conditioned by dogma), has judged about other religions (idolaters, naturalists, dualists, Brahmins, Jews, Christians, etc.). Besides, the reports made by Jīlī concerning religions are in some instances similar to and resulted from the views of other writers up to his own era. Meanwhile, Jīlī’s interpretation of Islam is a special one. Given the importance of Muhammadan truth in Jīlī’s viewpoints and opinions, he has used the phrasing “general religion” concerning Islam and has viewed the religions of other Prophets as partial ones. In this phrasing, “general religion” is resulted from the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) great union (ma‘iyyat- kubrā) and status of gatheredness (jam’ al-jam’), which is present in the entire realms of being and all human beings. This presence conforms to the appearance of the Face of Allah (Wajh Allāh) in the unveilings of mystics