Abu 'Abdullah Muhammad Ibn 'Ali Ibn Muhammad (known as Ibn ‘Arabi al-Hatimi al-Ta’i, d.1240 AD), Al-Futuha al-Makkiyah, vol.IV, on fiqh, signed by 'Imad al-Din Idriss al-Karami al-Isma’ili, Yemen, Sana'a, dated 857 AD/1453-54 AD

Arabic manuscript on paper, 148 leaves plus a flyleaf, 29 lines to the page, written in naskh script in black ink, catchwords, occasional marginal annotations, 7 full page diagrams from f.85a to f.88a, brown morocco binding with tooled floral cartouches

In good overall condition, pages generally clean, some water stains and worm holes to the outer margins, binding worn, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Ibn 'Arabi was an Andalusian scholar, Sufi mystic and philosopher. He studied in Seville before embarking on the Hajj in 1201 AD. He lived in Mecca for three years and it was during his stay there that he began writing one of his most important works, al-Futuha al-Makkiyah which discusses a wide range of topics ranging from mystical philosophy to Sufi mysticism including his visions and dreams. The first draft was completed in 1231 AD and the most treasured copy of al-Futuha written by Ibn 'Arabi himself is in Konya. He travelled extensively in Syria, Palestine, Iraq and Anatolia and died in Damascus in 1240 AD.

An inscription below the colophon states that this manuscript was collated with a copy written by the compiler in the Masjid al-Haram, near the Ka'ba on the 17 Shawwal 948 AH/1541-42 AD. See also Brockelmann, GAL, S. N. II, 417.