According to the founder of the
Qadiriyya Sufi order,
Abdul Qadir Gilani,
irfan is the acknowledgement of God's unity. This acceptance is achieved by studying under
Islamic scholars who give insight on the internal meanings of Islamic rituals, such as the
salah. Reflection upon the practice of
Islam with the guidance of respected Islamic scholars is a form of "nearness to God". == Shi'ite mysticism ==