Maʿrifa and the less commonly used ʿirfān are verbal nouns derived from the root ʿ-r-f (for the various meanings of this root, see Lane’s Lexicon, s.v. ʿ-r-f). Like ʿilm, which is often considered its synonym, maʿrifa means ‘to know’. Scholars in all disciplines have offered definitions and...
This article works to establish a conceptual definition for sacraments in relation to the concept of sign within the Roman Catholic Christian tradition. In the Catholic tradition, seven sacraments are recognized: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, anointing, holy orders, and marriag...