The Tree of Existence

شجرۃ الکون

Diagram A — Shajarat al-Kawn (The Tree of Existence): A hierarchical classification of the Existent (Mawjud) and the Non-Existent (Ma'dum). The Existent divides into Inner Levels (Maratib Dakhiliyya) and Outer Levels (Maratib Kharijiyya). The Inner Levels include: the Haqiqat Muhammadiyya (Muhammadan Reality), 'Ayn al-A'zam (Supreme Essence), 'Aql al-Kull (Universal Intellect), Nafs al-Kull (Universal Soul), Tabi'at al-Kull (Universal Nature), 'Alam al-Mithal (World of Archetypes), and 'Alam al-Shahada (World of Witnessing / Sensory World).

Diagram B — Shajarat al-Kawn (The Tree of Existence, continued): The outer dimension proceeds from Jawhar al-Haba' (Subtle Primordial Substance) through Shakl al-Kull (Universal Form), Jism al-Kull (Universal Body), to particular bodies and compounds — minerals (Jamadāt), plants (Nabātāt), animals (Hayawānāt), and the human being (Insān). The human being further branches into: the Saint (Walī), the perfect human (Insān Kāmil), the one with a mission (Sāhib al-Shari'a), and Prophets and Messengers.