[evidence], that is the noble verse: {Vision perceives Him not, but He perceives [all] vision; and He is the Subtle, the Acquainted} ¹ .

He contented himself with alerting to one facet of the meanings of perception (Idrak), and [pointing out] that there is another meaning besides what they understand. There are two modalities of perception: the Perception of the Creator (Idrak al-Mukawwin) and the Perception of the Created (Idrak al-Mukawwan). The created perception does not negate beholding (al-'Iyan); rather, it [negates perception] only in the sense of total encompassment (Ihaata). Thus, their edifice collapsed from the roof, and all the mental obstacles and traditions that prevent beholding vanished as if by a sorcerer's magic. Thereafter, the knowledge of "Objective Existence" (Ma'rifat al-Wujud al-'Ayni) settles securely within the sanctuary of the fundamental principle of his school, and the intellect and spirit find delight in accepting all the truths constructed upon this foundation.

I return to say: that this intuition which we noted—and which was the other reason for requesting the composition of this collection—inspired us that after its completion, we must turn to the texts.