Hazrat Ali Hujwiri (ra) states in Kashf-ul-Mahjoob: “ Theologians have made no distinction between ilm (knowledge) and marifat (gnosis), except when they say that God may be called alim (knowing), but not arif (gnostic), since the latter description lacks Divine blessing. The Sufi Sheikhs give the name of ma’rifat (gnosis) to knowledge that includes both religious practices and states; the knower of which could express his state they would call ‘arif (gnostic). On the other hand, they give the name of ilm (knowledge) to every knowledge that is devoid of spiritual and religious practice, and one who has such knowledge they call alim (knowing). One, then, who knows the meaning and reality of a thing they call arif, and one who knows merely the verbal expression and keeps it in his memory without keeping the spiritual reality they call alim. For this reason, when the Sufis wish to criticize a rival they call him danishmand (possessing knowledge). This seems objectionable, but the Sufis do not intend to blame the man for having acquired knowledge, rather they blame him for neglecting the practice of religion, because the alim depends on himself, but the arif depends on his Lord.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Dec 2014 12:05:33 +0000
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