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All existent things are the words of Allah which are…

“All existent things are the words of Allah which are inexhaustible (18) because they are from "kun" and "kun" is the word of Allah. Is the word ascribed to Him according to what He really is? His what-ness is not known. Or is it that Allah descends to the form of the one who says, "kun", and so…” quote by Ibn Arabi
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““All existent things are the words of Allah which are inexhaustible (18) because they are from "kun" and "kun" is the word of Allah. Is the word ascribed to Him according to what He really is? His what-ness is not known. Or is it that Allah descends to the form of the one who says, "kun", and so the word "kun" is the reality of that form to which he descended or in which He is manifest? Some of the gnostics take one side and some take the other side, and some of them are bewildered in the business and do not know. This is a question which can only be recognised by taste (dhawq), as was the case with Abu Yazid al-Bistami when he breathed into the ant which he had killed and it returned to life. He knew in that action by Whom he had breathed, and that was an 'Isawian witnessing. As for the revival of meaning by knowledge, that is the divine life, essential, eternal, sublime, and luminous, about which Allah said, "Is someone who was dead and whom We brought to life, supplying him with a light by which to walk among the people..." (6:123) Whoever gives life to a dead soul by the life of knowledge in a particular problem connected to knowledge of Allah, has brought him to life by it, and it is "a light for him by which he walks among the people, i.e. among his likes in form.””

Ibn Arabi

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage explores the mystical relationship between divine utterance “kun” (be), and the creation and revelation of reality, emphasizing experiential knowledge as the true means to perceive divine truth.

In simple terms: Divine words create reality; true understanding comes through direct, experiential knowledge.

Key Takeaway

Seek knowledge that transforms and illuminates.

Themes

mysticism theology knowledge creation spirituality

Mood

reverent intrigued reflective

Type

philosophical spiritual inspirational

When to use this quote

  • Sufi contemplation
  • theological study
  • personal revelation

Key Concepts

Divine utterance gnosis existential epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does experiential knowledge differ from intellectual belief?
  • Can the divine word be fully grasped by human senses?
A Different Perspective

The concept of “kun” as a literal creative act is debated; some argue it is metaphorical.

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