There are four levels to each and every truth. The first is the sharia — the outer, visible dimension of religion, made up of rules and rituals to be followed. The second is the tariqa — the mystical path, in which one journeys inward under the guidance of a spiritual master. The third is marifa — true knowledge and enlightenment. And the fourth is haqiqa — the ultimate truth. Sharia trains the ego; tariqa refines the heart; marifa opens the eye that witnesses the truth; and haqiqa is union with God.

From The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak