Manifestation of Truth in Praying in Views of Muhyiddin ibn Arabi and Imam Khomeini

Until before Muhyiddin ibn Arabi, Sufis chiefly used Tajalli (the appearance and disclosure of God as Truth in Islamic theoretical mysticism) in its common sense in practical mysticism (intuitional epiphany). The theory of manifestation of Truth in theoretical mysticism of Ibn Arabi and his commentators has been already covered but manifestation of Truth in praying – that mostly focuses on the worshipping aspect of practical mysticism – has received less attention. The theory of manifestation of Truth in theoretical mysticism concerns the appearance or disclosure of God’s manifestations from the origin of creation and the return of these manifestations to the Almighty God that takes place in two ascending and descending circles. In practical mysticism, Tajalli is intuitional, described as a light falling upon the heart of the spiritual wayfarer. Manifestation of the Divine Light is a result of God’s friendship with the servant, a cause of intuition and spiritual growth and perfection, and promotion in the path toward the proximity to God. With respect to the applicable status of manifestation of Truth in praying in practical mysticism, we have reviewed views by Ibn Arabi and Imam Khomeini on this issue. Ibn Arabi’s practical mysticism is epistemological in nature, while Imam Khomeini has taken a wayfaring and mystical approach. His spiritual wayfaring is based on praying, seeking refuge in the Infallible Imams (AS) and based on epistemology introduced by Ibn Arabi. This research work intends to clarify the similarities and differences as well as the quality of thoughts and spiritual wayfaring in practical mysticism by the two influential scholars concerning manifestation of Truth in praying.