Marifa
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This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (January 2008) |
Marifa (Arabic: المعرفة), which literally means knowledge, is the term used by Sufi Muslims to describe mystical intuitive knowledge of spiritual truth reached through ecstatic experiences, rather than revealed or rationally acquired.
In one of the earliest accounts of the Maqamat-l arba'in ("forty stations") in Sufism, Sufi master Abu Said ibn Abi'l-Khayr lists marifa as the 25th station: "Through all the creatures of the two worlds, and through all the people, they perceive Allah, and there is no accusation to be made of their perception."[citation needed]
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Marifa in the four spiritual stations [edit]
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This section is written like a personal reflection or opinion essay rather than an encyclopedic description of the subject. (May 2010) |
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This section needs attention from an expert in Islam. (May 2010) |
The stage of ma'rifat is described as imperceptible, and accordingly, it can not be communicated through corporeal means, but it can be attained by anybody. The four spiritual stations are as follows:
Sharia [edit]
This station is an affirmation that Allah is the only God, the one to be followed, above even one's own desires)
Tariqa [edit]
The application of such oath is to follow all that God said in the Holy Qur'an. The result when one follows the Qur'an: one becomes a law abiding citizen of this universe, and harmless and a kind and a generous person...
Haqiqa [edit]
The stage of haqiqa is the station of a man whereby all his affairs in life are consistent with all that God commands in the Holy Qur'an. At this time, his person reflects nothing but the truth.
Sources [edit]
- M. Damadi, Translation of Maqamat-l arba' in April 1971
- M. Fethullah Gulen, Key Concepts in the Practice of Sufism, Emerald hills of the heart. Vol 2, p135, 2004
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