Anwar-e Ma`rifat

The discipline of theoretical Sufism (al-ʿirfān al-naẓarī) has proposed the system of divine self-manifestations (tajalliyāt) to analyze the relationship between the Essence (al-Dhāt) and the world of multiplicities. Within this school of thought, the doctrine of the Five Divine Presences (al-ḥaḍarāt al-khams) undertakes to explain how multiplicity issues forth from unity. In effect, the system of tajalliyāt and the Five Presences answers the question of how the emanation of multiplicity occurs and through what process. On the other hand, differences in opinion among the commentators (shurrāḥ) of the Ibn ʿArabī school have given rise to certain disagreements in this regard, and the conceptual evolution (taṭawwur mafhūmī) of the Five Presences must be sought precisely in these differing views. This research seeks to trace the developmental trajectory of this concept from its inception by examining the statements of the major commentators of this school. By analyzing the views of each, it aims to demonstrate the extent to which each commentator remained faithful to the originator of this doctrine. Evidently, addressing this question will prove illuminating in analyzing the foundations of certain contemporary Sufi scholars who believe there to be a fundamental difference between the positions of Ṣadr al-Dīn al-Qūnawī and Sharaf al-Dīn al-Qayṣarī.