Islam's Stations ... with at Twist

The four stations of Islam are:
 * Shariat - Islamic equivalent of Halacha; following Moslem religious law.
 * Tariqat - akin to דרך. Following the spiritual tradition of an esoteric order.
 * Hakikat - Truth; the realization of God.
 * Ma'rifat - Knowledge, more in the mystical and spiritual sense as opposed to the rational.

A Fruitful Metaphor?
Niyazi Misri, 17th Century mystic from Turkey wrote: "I climbed the plum tree and there I munched some grapes. The orchard owner yelled at me and asked Why do you eat my walnuts?"

The interpretation of Misri's metaphor can -- in simple terms -- be understood as follows:


 * Grapes = Tariqat (inedible seed inside, or religion)


 * Walnuts = Hakikat (brain with hard shell, but sweet and healthy inside)


 * Plums = Shariat

This teaching was given at a Sohbet that took place in Jerusalem on February 19th, 2007, under the leadership of Ya'qub Ibn Yusuf.