Descent and Manifestation​

A qualitative difference between descent as manifestation (tajalli) and descent as displacement (tajafi) separates movement into and within the corporeal world. This difference is nuanced as it is applied to various states of being and domains of existence, and is seen in the perspective of spiritual realities. The perspective of multiplicity allows distinction from absolute unity and God's encompassing omnipresence. This leads into illuminationist relations for nature in its descent, which, in turn, ultimately establishes man as a relative existent.

Keywords: manifestation (tajalli) versus displacement (tajafi); aspects of descent across the hierarchy of existence; emanation; illuminationist relations; nature and origination.

Journal of Islam & Science, Vol. 4 (Summer 2006) No. 1

Hamid Parsania

President of Baqir al-Ulum University