THE SYSTEM OF DIVINE MANIFESTATION IN IBN ‘ARABI’S SCHOOL OF THOUGHT

One of the fundamental problems of theoretical mysticism is how to explain the difference between God and the world on the basis of the idea of wahdat al-wujud (the unity of existence). Following the explanation of certain necessary premises, this paper presents the theory of divine manifestation as one that can explain and analyze multiplicity. In this article we especially seek to solidify the relation of such claims to mystics in general and to the adherents of Ibn ‘Arabi’s school of thought in particular. This is especially important because, in some of the works of many specialists in this field, we find that some unrealistic claims have been attributed to Ibn ‘Arabi. The only way to counteract such false claims, in any field, including theoretical mysticism, is to make it binding upon ourselves to delve into the views of others in a cautious way. We must not take the apparent meanings of the sayings of the mystics as a proof in this matter. Therefore, the research methodology of the writer of this article is to relate the sayings of Ibn ‘Arabi and his commentators, while simultaneously commenting upon and analyzing them as well.

Keywords:

manifestation , apparition , Unity , multiplicity , theoretical mysticism