The three grades of knowledge in Islam - Shariat, Tariqat and Haqiqat are depicted in this painting but not the fourth and the final one - Marifat.   

 

Shariat - exoteric path - the law that is necessary to observe

Tariqat - esoteric path - the understanding of the law besides following it

Haqiqat - essence or mystical truth - the truth of our being and the inner law of Nature

Marifat - the final mystical knowledge. Gnosis -the knowledge upon which all knowledge rests. The actual realization of God, the One Being, when there is no doubt anywhere, the pure and perfect One. 

 

'Ejee shareeat hak karee jaannee-e, to turat tareekat paae; 

hakeekat dil maa(n)e nakasee-e, to maaraphate milee jaae.'

 

'The Shariat, if thou takest it to be true, readily, the Tariqat attain shalt thou; 

he Haqiqat in (thy) heart engravest if thou, the Marifat achieve shalt thou.'

 

 

A verse of the Ginan Bhamar Gufa Upar Dekha(n)ta