Question: who had brought the phrase unity in diversity
Answer: The concept of unity in diversity can be traced back to Sufi philosopher Ibn al - ' Arabi ( 1165 -- 1240 ) , who advanced the metaphysical concept of the `` oneness of being '' ( wahdat al - wujud ) , namely , that reality is one , and that God 's is the only true existence ; all other beings are merely shadows , or reflections of God 's qualities .