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Let us return to those gifts which are either the gifts…

“Let us return to those gifts which are either the gifts proceding from the Essence or the Names. As for the favours, gifts and graces of the Essence, they only come by means of divine tajalli. (7) Tajalli only comes from the Essence by means of the form of the predisposition of the one to whom the…” quote by Ibn Arabi
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““Let us return to those gifts which are either the gifts proceding from the Essence or the Names. As for the favours, gifts and graces of the Essence, they only come by means of divine tajalli. (7) Tajalli only comes from the Essence by means of the form of the predisposition of the one to whom the tajalli is made. It never occurs otherwise. The one who receives the tajalli will only see his own form in the mirror of the Real. He will not see see the Real, for it is not possible to see Him. At the same time, he knows that he sees only his own form. It is the same as a mirror in the Visible world inasmuch as you see forms in it or your own form but do not see the mirror. At the same time, however, you know that you see the forms, or your own form, only by virtue of the mirror. Allah manifests that as a model (8) appropriate to the tajalli of His Essence, so that the one receiving the tajalli knows that he does not see Him. There is no model nearer or more appropriate to vision and tajalli than this. When you see a form in a mirror, try to see the body of the mirror as well - you will never see it. It is true that some people who perceive this say that the reflected form is imposed between the vision of the seer and the mirror. This is the most that it is possible to say, and the matter is as we have mentioned. We have clarified this in the The Makkan Revelations.””

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 text explains that divine revelations (tajalli) are reflections of God's essence, perceived through the human mind, which acts like a mirror showing only its own form, not the divine itself.

In simple terms: Divine truth is reflected in us, not directly seen.

Key Takeaway

Recognize reflections as guides, not the source.

Themes

spirituality theology perception knowledge reflection

Mood

contemplative inquisitive reverent

Type

philosophical theological mystical

When to use this quote

  • personal meditation
  • theological study
  • interfaith dialogue
  • spiritual counseling

Key Concepts

Sufi mysticism divine manifestation epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you differentiate between reflection and reality?
  • Can inner reflection lead to true understanding?
A Different Perspective

The analogy may oversimplify complex metaphysical concepts for some readers.

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