ABSTRACT
In Islam, as in other traditions, the conception of transcendence that animates and permeates religious thought and practice can be discussed in terms of two principal perspectives, one that focuses upon the nature or ontology of transcendent reality, and one that is concerned with the realization of some measure of transcendence by the human individual. Transcendence for the individual is always conceived of in the light of a particular conception of ultimate transcendence. Thus, participation in transcendent reality may be understood as diversely as communion or union with the Godhead, gnosis or enlightenment about the innate transcendence of the self, personal salvation in eternal life, or achievement of individual harmony with the cosmos. The first defining characteristic of the Muslim image of divine transcendence is the unity and singularity of God. Transcendence is thus not only an ontological property of the Divine, but a real presence in human history.
