The Sufi Principle of Ma’rifa

A Gnostic Correspondence

In the mystical branches of several world religions, one can find striking similarities in their spiritual principles. One such fascinating parallel can be drawn between the Sufi principle of Ma’rifa and the concept of Gnosticism.

Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, emphasises the inward search for God and the purification of the self. Central to Sufi teachings is the concept of Ma’rifa, an Arabic term that refers to the deep, intuitive, and direct knowledge of God (gnosis). Ma’rifa is considered the highest form of spiritual awareness, transcending mere intellectual understanding or theoretical knowledge. It is an experiential cognition, a state of being in which one becomes intimately familiar with the Divine Essence.

On the other hand, Gnosticism is a term that encompasses a variety of ancient religious movements with the shared belief that the material world is inherently flawed, and that spiritual knowledge (gnosis) is the key to salvation. Gnostics believe in the existence of a transcendent, supreme God who is beyond the world of matter, and that humans can attain salvation by obtaining gnosis, or direct, personal knowledge of this God.

The parallel between Ma’rifa and Gnosticism is immediately apparent. Both concepts emphasise the importance of direct, personal, and intuitive knowledge of God, as opposed to mere intellectual understanding or religious dogma. They both suggest that this knowledge is transformative, leading to a profound spiritual awakening and a state of intimate communion with the Divine.

Moreover, both Sufism and Gnosticism advocate for the spiritual journey as a process of self-purification and self-discovery. In Sufism, this journey is often depicted as a path towards God, where the seeker undergoes a process of self-purification and spiritual refinement to attain Ma’rifa. Similarly, in Gnosticism, the spiritual journey involves the awakening of the divine spark within oneself, leading to gnosis and ultimately, salvation.

Furthermore, both Sufism and Gnosticism share a dualistic view of reality. In Sufism, this dualism is expressed in the contrast between the material world and the spiritual realm, where the latter is considered the true reality. In Gnosticism, this dualism is often expressed in the contrast between the flawed material world and the perfect spiritual realm, where the latter is considered our true home.

What is especially remarkable is that despite these similarities, Sufism is deeply rooted in Islam, with its practices and beliefs closely tied to the teachings of the Quran and the life of Prophet Muhammad, whilst Gnosticism has been associated with various religions, including Christianity and Judaism. It seems that whilst both faiths have different origins they have none-the-less arrived at similar perspectives.

The Sufi principle of Ma’rifa and the concept of Gnosticism share remarkable similarities in their emphasis on direct, intuitive knowledge of God, the transformative power of this knowledge, and the dualistic view of reality. Despite their differences, these shared themes offer valuable insights into the universal aspects of spirituality and the human quest for divine knowledge.