Abrar Ahmed Shahi is a prominent Pakistani scholar, translator, and founder of the Ibn al-Arabi Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving and disseminating the works of the renowned Sufi mystic and philosopher Shaykh al-Akbar Muhyiddīn Ibn al-Arabi.

Co-founder of the Ibn al-Arabi Foundation: Established in 2007 with Hamesh Malik, the foundation focuses on producing critical Arabic editions and Urdu translations of Ibn al-Arabi’s works. Their mission includes making these texts accessible to Urdu-speaking audiences and fostering scholarly engagement.

Academic Credentials: Shahi holds an M.Phil in Comparative Religions from the International Islamic University Islamabad and a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies.

Shahi has been under the spiritual guidance of Shaykh Ahmad Muhammad Ali (Egypt) since 2015, a disciple of Ibn al-Arabi’s teachings. This connection informs the foundation’s approach to interpreting Ibn al-Arabi’s works, emphasizing authenticity and alignment with Akbari Sufi traditions.

He initially explored Sufi practices through local mentors in Pakistan before fully committing to the Akbari path under Shaykh Ahmad’s mentorship

Global Collaboration: The foundation collaborates with international organizations like the Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi Society (MIAS) and has received praise for its critical editions, which utilize rare manuscripts from Turkish archives7.

Reader Reviews: Shahi’s translations are lauded for their accessibility and quality. For instance, Fusus al-Hikam’s 2024 edition includes extensive commentary to aid understanding, earning acclaim from scholars and lay readers alike