<p>One of the most important mystical thinkers in the Islamic tradition, Muḥyī al-Dīn ibn ‘Arabī (d. 638/1240), believes that there are many phases of existence. While he agrees with the majority of Muslim scholars that the bitterness of death comes from facing the consequences of one’s actions, he is unique in the inordinate emphasis he places on these consequences being entirely educational and not punitive. Myriad pre-corporeal and postmortem modalities of existence are states of being, says Ibn ‘Arabī, through which God enables humankind to actualize its potential for learning of the divine. While his ideas may seem arcane, they could have practical applicability in counseling people dealing with bereavement because the results of research conducted among Kuwaiti Muslims suggest that unfulfilled potential represents a significant source of pain in bereavement. This study begins by examining the opinions of young Kuwaiti Muslims on death and bereavement through a survey. Subsequently, the correlation between the views of this demographic group and Ibn ‘Arabī’s ideas is investigated. Finally, the possible practical application of Ibn ‘Arabī’s ideas is discussed.</p>