Descent and Manifestation

Abstract

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.