The comprehension of the reality of existence constitutes a profound journey towards understanding the essence of being and humanitys place within the cosmic order. This writing, through contemplations on the luminous verses of the Holy Quran and the utilisation of mystical knowledge, endeavours to open a window towards the profound divine meanings. Along this path, by referring to verses and narrations, an attempt is made to elucidate the hidden layers of knowledge concerning existence and the relationship between humanity and the Supreme Origin. These reflections not only elucidate Quranic concepts but, by linking them with mystical teachings, pave a path towards a deeper understanding of the reality of existence.
Existence is the fundamental essence of being which encompasses all entities. In Quranic and mystical teachings, existence is likened to a light emanating from the Origin of Being, from which everything in the universe benefits. This light manifests in various degrees, from the Divine Essence to material creatures, exhibiting different forms of radiance. Religious scholars, in elucidating this concept, have likened existence to a flowing river originating from an infinite source, which in its course generates the multiplicity of beings.
In this regard, the Holy Quran eloquently refers to the unity of existence, considering creatures as mirrors reflecting Divine attributes. For instance, the following noble verse beautifully illustrates this reality:
وَلِلَّهِ مُلْکُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَیْنَهُمَا ۚ یَخْلُقُ مَا یَشَاءُ ۚ وَاللَّهُ عَلَىٰ کُلِّ شَیْءٍ قَدِیرٌ
And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them. He creates what He wills, and Allah is over all things competent.
This verse clearly indicates that all levels of existence are subject to Divine will and power, and everything in the universe is a manifestation of His decree. This meaning forms the foundation for understanding unity in multiplicity and multiplicity in unity, which is extensively examined in mystical knowledge.
In mystical teachings, existence is divided into multiple degrees, each indicating a level of Divine lights manifestation. These degrees commence from the Divine Essence and extend to the lowest material levels. Religious scholars have likened these degrees to a ladder, which the human soul can ascend through mystical progression to attain proximity to the Divine presence.
A narration from the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) beautifully elucidates this meaning:
العلم نور یقذفه الله فی قلب من یشاء
Knowledge is a light which Allah casts into the heart of whom He wills.
This narration clearly demonstrates that the recognition of the reality of existence is a Divine light that settles in the heart of the seeker and guides him towards understanding the degrees of being.
The first part of this writing expounded the concept of existence and its degrees in the light of the Quranic verses and mystical knowledge. The reality of existence is likened to a singular light which manifests in various degrees. This meaning not only aids in understanding humanitys position within the system of existence but also opens a path towards Divine knowledge.
Man, as the noblest of creatures, holds an eminent position in the order of creation. He is a being capable of reflecting all Divine attributes within his existence. This position is like a mirror that reflects Divine light, thus transforming man into the Divine Caliph.
The Holy Quran states regarding this matter:
وَلَقَدْ کَرَّمْنَا بَنِی آدَمَ وَحَمَلْنَاهُمْ فِی الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَاهُمْ مِنَ الطَّیِّبَاتِ وَفَضَّلْنَاهُمْ عَلَىٰ کَثِیرٍ مِمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِیلًا
And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided them with good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.
This verse clearly speaks of mans inherent honour and his exalted station within the system of existence. Endowed with intellect and Divine spirit, man is capable of grasping the reality of existence and progressing towards Divine proximity.
Mystical progression is the path by which man is guided towards understanding the reality of existence and Divine proximity. This path requires self-purification, self-knowledge, and reflection on Divine verses. Religious scholars have likened this journey to a traveller who passes beyond the outward appearances of the world and reaches the inner essence of being.
A narration from the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) beautifully expresses this meaning:
من عرف نفسه فقد عرف ربه
Whoever knows himself has known his Lord.
This narration emphasises the importance of self-knowledge as a gateway to Divine understanding. Through contemplation of the self, man can realise the reality of existence and his own place within the cosmic system.
The second part of this writing examined mans position within the cosmic order and his relationship with the reality of existence. As the Divine Caliph, man is capable of reflecting Divine attributes and, through mystical progression, can attain understanding of the reality of existence and Divine proximity.
This writing, through contemplation of the Quranic verses and utilisation of mystical knowledge, endeavoured to elucidate the reality of existence and mans position within the cosmic system. Existence is akin to a singular light manifesting in diverse degrees, and man, as the noblest of creatures, possesses the capacity to comprehend this reality and attain Divine nearness. These reflections not only assist in understanding Quranic teachings but also pave the way towards a deeper recognition of the truth of being.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
