tajalli

Tajalli is a concept found in Islamic mysticism, particularly Sufism. It generally refers to the divine self-disclosure or manifestation of God, particularly in relation to the creation and the human heart. The term is derived from the Arabic root j-l-l, meaning glory, magnificence, or majesty.

In Sufi thought, tajalli is often understood as the experience of divine presence. It is not a physical appearance of God, as God is considered transcendent and beyond human comprehension, but rather a spiritual unveiling or illumination. These manifestations can be perceived by the seeker through intense spiritual practice, devotion, and purification of the heart.

There are various classifications of tajalli within Sufism. Some scholars differentiate between the 'unrestricted' or 'absolute' tajalli, which refers to God's essence, and the 'restricted' or 'specific' tajalli, which relates to His attributes and names as they appear in the cosmos and in individuals. It is believed that prophets and saints experience tajalli more profoundly due to their spiritual proximity to the divine.

The ultimate aim for many Sufis is to achieve a state of constant tajalli, where the divine presence becomes an ever-present reality in their consciousness. This experience is often described as a state of bliss, gnosis (ma'rifa), and profound union with the Divine.