Al-Ghazali’s Ma'rifat and Muhabbat’s relations

Abstract

The present article aims to explain the concept of ma'rifat (knowledge) from Al-Ghazali’s perception in his Kimiya-i-Sa'adat and Ihya' 'Ulum al-din. Ma'rifat that is initial element of the creation of muhabbat (love) can be its result as well. Salik, a person who engaged Sufism as an Islamic spiritual path, with ma'rifat and knowing Allah would be devotee of his/her beloved God. Then, Salik who is a devotee of God, with his/her muhabbat would love much more ma'rifat of his/her beloved God. Therefore, ma'rifat and muhabbat-e haqiqi (true knowledge and love) always act in a causality chain at the path of progress, strengthening, and motivation of each other. Qualitative approach has been used to observe the messages given in this paper. It will highlight that ma'rifat-e haqiqi is the same substance and essence of muhabbat. Only those possessed of the capacity are able to understand the domain of ma'rifat and muhabbat-e haqiqi. The Qur'an is the best sufficient proof: "God will raise (in degree) those of you who truly believe (and act accordingly), and in degrees those who have been granted the knowledge (especially of religious matters)." (The Qur'an, 58:11)