These are the three states of spiritual ranks of which the first is named ‘ilmul-yaqin (knowledge by inference), the second is designated ainul-yaqin (certainty by sight), and the third blessed and perfect rank is known as haqqul-yaqin (true certainty). The cognition of any human being cannot be perfected nor can it be washed clean of all impurities until it reaches the stage of haqqul-yaqin, for this stage does not depend only on observation, but descends upon the heart of a man as an actual experience; and the man, being thrust into the blazing fire of divine love, is totally separated from his carnal self. Arriving at this stage, human cognition moves from hearsay to actual experience and the ignoble self is
totally burnt to ashes, and such a man becomes seated in the lap of God.