In various religions, a cloud symbolises the appearance of the Lord in the physical world, which is sometimes associated with apocalyptic and eschatological ideas. In the Qur’an, there are two symbols: the cloud and the shadow (or canopy) that have been analysed extensively both by Shi‘i thinkers and Ṣūfī masters. These ideas have also been connected to doctrines such as the appearance of the Lord, leadership, the Ideal (Perfect) Man, and the coming of the saviour. Various Shi‘i authors have discussed the above-mentioned ideas from different angles. Moreover, throughout Shi‘i traditions, the phrase ‘canopies’ (al-ghamām) has been used as a reference to the Imams and in mystical writings ‘the shadow of Allah’ signifies the Ideal Man. In the following research, we will examine Qur’anic verses that mention clouds, Qur’anic commentaries, and Shiʻi-Ṣūfī writings to offer a discussion on the Lord’s appearance in the clouds in Islamic lore.

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