In Islam, irfan (Arabic language/Persian language/Urdu language: عرفان; ), literally 'knowledge, awareness, wisdom', is a concept in Islamic mysticism akin to gnosis, or spiritual knowledge.
Sunni mysticism
According to the founder of the
Qadiriyya Sufi order, Abdul Qadir Gilani
irfan is the acknowledgement of God's unity. This acceptance is achieved by studying under
Islamic scholars who give insight on the internal meanings of Islamic rituals, such as the
salah. Reflection upon the practice of
Islam with the guidance of respected Islamic scholars is a form of "nearness to God".
Shi'ite mysticism
Ali al-Sistani defines true
irfan as the practice of reciting prescribed
(prayers) taught by the
Twelve Imams, praying the
Tahajjud, and seeking God's pleasure through
mustahabb (recommended) actions.
Among the best-known modern Shia proponents of irfan were Usuli theologians Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai, Ruhollah Khomeini, Mohammad-Taqi Bahjat Foumani, Hassan Hassanzadeh Amoli, and Ali Tabatabaei.
See also
-
Hikmah
-
Irfan (name)
-
Ma'rifa
-
Hikmat al-Muta’aliyah
External links
