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InIslam,irfan (Arabic/Persian/Urdu:عرفان;Turkish:İrfan), literally 'knowledge, awareness, wisdom', is a concept inIslamic mysticism akin tognosis, or spiritual knowledge.[1]
According to the founder of theQadiriyya Sufi order,Abdul Qadir Gilaniirfan is the acknowledgement of God's unity. This acceptance is achieved by studying underIslamic scholars who give insight on the internal meanings of Islamic rituals, such as thesalah. Reflection upon the practice ofIslam with the guidance of respected Islamic scholars is a form of "nearness to God".[2]
Ali al-Sistani defines trueirfan as the practice of reciting prescribedduas (prayers) taught by theTwelve Imams, praying thenight prayer, and seeking God's pleasure throughmustahabb (recommended) actions.
Among the best-known modern Shia proponents ofirfan wereUsuli theologiansMuhammad Husayn Tabatabai,Ruhollah Khomeini,Mohammad-Taqi Bahjat Foumani,Hassan Hassanzadeh Amoli, andAli Tabatabaei.
