Anwar-e Ma`rifat

The discipline of theoretical mysticism (ʿirfān-i naẓarī) has formulated the system of manifestation (tajallī) in order to analyze the relationship between the Essence (dhāt) and the world of multiplicity. Within this framework, the question of the Five Divine Presences (al-ḥaḍarāt al-khams) undertakes to explain the modality whereby multiplicity issues from unity. Indeed, the system of manifestation and the Five Presences provide an answer to the question of how and through what process the emanation of multiplicity has taken place. On the other hand, the divergences among the commentators of the Ibn ʿArabī school have given rise to certain disagreements on this matter, and it is precisely in these differences of opinion that the conceptual evolution of the Five Presences must be sought. This research endeavors to trace the evolution and transformation of this concept from its formation by examining the views of the principal commentators of this school. By analyzing the opinions of each, it seeks to demonstrate the degree of adherence of each commentator to the originator of this doctrine. Evidently, the treatment of this question will prove illuminating for the analysis of the foundations of certain contemporary scholars of mysticism who maintain the existence of a foundational difference between Ṣadr al-Dīn Qūnawī and Sharf al-Dīn Qayṣarī.