2. Tariqa (sacred path)
3. Haqiqa (divine reality)
4. Marifa (gnosis or certain knowledge of Allah)
. Sharia consists of the words of the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace,
. Tariqa consists of the actions of the Prophet,
. Haqiqa consists of the state of the Prophet, and
. Marfia consists of the secrets of the Prophet.
The Kalima (the sacred mantra of Islamic faith, La ilaha illallah) has four meanings according to these four ways.
According to Sharia the meaning is:
"There is nothing in the world that can be worshipped with certainty except Allah."
According to Tariqa the meaning is:
"There is none that can do a thing except Allah."
According to Haqiqa the meaning is:
"There is none who is sought after except Allah."
According to Marifa the meaning is:
"There is nothing existent except Allah."