‘Manifestation’ in Semnani’s al-Urwah and Its Connection to the Opinions of Ibn al-‘Arabi and the Beliefs of al-Ash‘ari

One of the significant topics of mystical worldview is the concept of “Manifestation” and appearance of Supreme Being in the world. Ala'a al-Dawla Semnani is one of the prominent mystics of 8th century AH in whose masterpiece, Al-Urwah, manifestation has an especial place. In the present descriptive-analytical study, we have endeavored to illustrate the types of manifestations, its terminologies, and the unique metaphors that attributed to it in Ibn 'Arabi’s theories. By providing evidences from 'Al-Urwah', we aim to demonstrate that Semnani has drawn upon Ibn 'Arabi's concepts of manifestation and its related terminologies. Findings of the present research indicate that the primary source of Ala'a al-Dawla's words on manifestation is the thoughts of Ibn 'Arabi. Therefore, it is necessary to revise and change the current viewpoints regarding the thought relation between Ala'a al-Dawla and Ibn 'Arabi. In spite of his famous opposition to Ibn 'Arabi on the issue of the unity of existence (Monism), Sheikh of Semnan has followed ibn 'Arabi's commentary on the issue of manifestation. On the other hand, the idea of manifestation in 'Al-Urwah' has been explained and influenced by Ash'ari's beliefs and firmly linked to the ideas of Divine knowledge and will of God. This observation challenges some claims about the Shi'ite affiliation of Semnani.