Arabic · noun · Spirit & the Divine

Ma'rifat

मारिफ़त
said maa-ri-fat
also written: Marifat
Meaning

Gnosis, experiential knowledge of God, intimate mystical cognition.

Literally: knowing, acquaintance

Usage & notes

Ma'rifat is the heart's direct knowledge of the Divine, distinct from the bookish ilm of the intellect. Iqbal valued this gnosis but insisted it should fortify the self rather than annihilate it.