The present study analyzes the concept of maʿrifa (knowledge) from the viewpoints of two major currents of Islamic thought: Sufis and Usuliyun (principlists). The objective is to clarify the fundamental differences in the origin, method, and purpose of knowledge within these perspectives. Sufis consider knowledge as an intuitive and heartfelt reality attained through spiritual purification, mystical experience, and divine love, whereas Usuliyun regard it as the outcome of rational reasoning, logical inference, and reliance on revelation and legal evidences. Using an analytical–comparative approach and based on classical mystical and jurisprudential texts, the study demonstrates that knowledge in Islamic mysticism emphasizes presence and unveiling (kashf), while in the science of usul al‑fiqh it emphasizes argumentation and certainty (yaqin). The findings suggest that Islamic epistemology embodies two complementary dimensions: a rational one grounded in intellect and a supra‑rational one grounded in intuition. The integration of both leads to a more comprehensive understanding of truth in Islamic thought.
 
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