Jamʿu ʾl-Jamʿ (جمع الجمع)
Definition
Jamʿu ʾl-Jamʿ (جمع الجمع) translates literally as “the plural of a plural.” This term is used in Ṣūfī mysticism to describe the exalted spiritual state of the Perfect Man or al-Insānu ʾl-Kāmil. In this state, an individual achieves a profound unity with the Divine, transcending the multiplicities and dualities of the earthly existence.
Etymology
The term Jamʿu ʾl-Jamʿ has its roots in the Arabic language:
- جمع (jamʿ) means “to gather” or “to collect.”
- الجمع (al-jamʿ) refers to “the assembly” or “the collective.”
In this context, Jamʿu ʾl-Jamʿ literally means “the gathering of gatherings” or “the plural of plurals,” indicating a state of ultimate unity that encompasses all other states of union.
Usage in Sufism
In Ṣūfī practice, the concept of Jamʿu ʾl-Jamʿ represents achieving the highest form of spiritual unity with the Divine. It is beyond the initial phase of jamʿ (gathering oneself from distraction to focus on God) and moves towards the fana (annihilation in God) and baqa (subsistence in God). The Perfect Man or al-Insānu ʾl-Kāmil is someone who has transcended individual limitations to reach this supreme state of union, effectively becoming a mirror reflecting divine attributes.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: جمع الجمع (Jamʿu ʾl-Jamʿ)
- Turkish: Çoklukların çoğulu
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn al-‘Arabi’s Metaphysics of Imagination” by William Chittick
- This book delves into the metaphysical dimensions of Ṣūfī thought as articulated by one of its greatest thinkers, Ibn al-ʿArabi.
- “The Mystical Philosophy of Muhyid Din-ibnul Arabi” by R.A. Nicholson
- It offers a comprehensive exploration of the mystical and philosophical principles embedded in the works of Ibn al-ʿArabi.
- “The Philosophy of Sufism” by Mir Valiuddin
- A thorough exploration of key Ṣūfī concepts, including those related to metaphysics and the spiritual path.
- “Sufism: An Introduction to the Mystical Tradition of Islam” by William C. Chittick
- A framework for understanding the essential principles, practices, and historical development of Sufism.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Jamʿu ʾl-Jamʿ defines the highest spiritual realization in Islamic mysticism, representing total unity with the Divine.
- It builds on the concept of jamʿ, moving beyond it to a sublime state of inclusivity and completeness.
- This state is epitomized by the Perfect Man or al-Insānu ʾl-Kāmil, who embodies and reflects divine attributes.
- Understanding Jamʿu ʾl-Jamʿ provides deep insights into Ṣūfī spiritual practices and objectives.
In summary, Jamʿu ʾl-Jamʿ encapsulates the ultimate aim of Ṣūfī mysticism: achieving an encompassing and profound unity with the Divine, a state that transcends ordinary human experiences to reflect divine perfection. This concept not only enriches our understanding of Sufism but also serves as an ideal to strive for in the spiritual journey.
