The meaning of Shariah

 

The meaning of Shariah

Hajj in Shariah = Visiting the Ka'bah.
Hajj in Ma'rifah = Self-realization.
Zakat in Shariah = Giving away wealth.
Zakat in Ma'rifah = Renouncing ego.
Salat in Shariah = Remembrance (of Allah).
Salat in Ma'rifah = Establishing a connection with Allah.
Sawm in Shariah = Self-control (fasting).
Sawm in Ma'rifah = Detachment from material desires.
Namaz in Shariah = Performing the five obligatory prayers.
Namaz in Ma'rifah = Establishing constant (perpetual) prayer.
Dhikr in Shariah = Remembering the Creator.
Dhikr in Ma'rifah = Union with the essence of Allah.
Munajat in Shariah = Asking for things from Allah.
Munajat in Ma'rifah = "O Allah, become mine, so I may become Yours."
The main act of worship in Shariah = Engaging only in prayer.
The main act of worship in Ma'rifah = Achieving closeness to Allah through meditation and contemplation.
The main desire in Shariah = Seeking the pleasure of Paradise.
The main desire in Ma'rifah = Becoming immersed in the love of the Divine.
Qurbani (Sacrifice) in Shariah = Slaughtering an animal and eating meat.
Qurbani in Ma'rifah = Killing the animal within oneself.
Jihad in Shariah = Killing those who are labeled as infidels.
Jihad in Ma'rifah = Controlling the inner desires such as lust, anger, greed, hatred, pride, etc.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
"Shariah is my commandments,
Ma'rifah is my ultimate secret."