Unity of Existence, a Passage Through Interpenetration of Existence and Specific Gradation according to Traditional Evidences

Personal unity of existence means that the concrete and real existence outside is merely one, i.e. there is nothing outside but the dependent manifestations and epiphanies of that one existence. This theory is one of the highest and deep doctrines of Islamic mysticism; it came across diverse interpretations and obstacles, though. One obstacle in the way of such a lofty doctrine is the theory of interpenetration of existence according to which Allah’s existence is interpenetrated with that of abodes of creatures so that while keeping the distance between the creator and the creatures, maintains the infinity of Allah Almighty.
The “specific gradation of existence” theory which says there is only one identical existence appearing in different states and various multiplicities i.e. unity is running through multiplicity, can be considered a weak obstacle to the personal unity of existence, for it is open to some particular interpretation.
In their efforts, the authors try not only to show the correct interpretation of the “specific gradation of existence” theory which is the other side of “personal unity of existence”, but also to take a critical look into the “interpenetrated existence” theory as per rational arguments and firm evidences from the Qur’an and traditions.