There is a hadith which says that creation is nothing but the Breath of the All-Merciful. Ibn-Arabi compares the process of creation to the continuous exhaling and inhaling of the Creator. Spirit gradually unfolds itself in forms, attaining consciousness, and returning to its source at its expiration.
God breathes out, and while breathing, He also speaks as the Quran affirms: “…when He intends a thing, He only says unto it: “Be” (qun) and it is.” (36:82). Ibn-Arabi describes creation as the 'infinite words’ of God, or an ‘open book’.
The relationship between Creator and creation, the Speaker and the words, the Breather and the breath remains a mystery. Ibn Arabi defines the cosmos as Huwa la huwa (He/not He). This world is a mixture of divinity and dust. Neither God nor lifeless matter but something in between.
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