The Whispered Prayer of the Knowers: the Nature and Scope of the Knowledge of God (2)

Shiite and Sunny scholars have differing views about whether or not man praise and thanks the Most High God as He ought to be praised. The friends of God and the household of holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) are divided into three groups: the first group loves God and Prophet's household in public but in secret it does not. The second group loves them in secret but in public it does not. The third group loves them both in public and in secret. Among the features of those who love God and the holy prophet and his household in public and in secret are having true knowledge and trying to increase it, having knowledge of God and divine attributes, believing in them, knowing the limits and realities of faith, and disapproving apparent and meaningless faith. Real knowledge of God is acquired by intuition and apprehension by presence. In this way, man can build up conscious and real relationship with God. The ultimate aim of such pure knowledge is obedience to God and the holy Prophet and submission to God's will.