Question Summary:
what is meant by marifat? i was told by my friend that there are other stages in islam above shariat, is that true if so can you briefly tell us what are they and also refer some websites where we can read and know about them

Question Detail:

what is meant by marifat? i was told by my friend that there are other stages in islam above shariat, is that true if so can you briefly tell us what are they and also refer some websites where we can read and know about them

Answer :

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatoh
Shariah refers to the laws of Islam which are primarily based on the Quran and Hadith. 
Ma’rifat means the recognition and consciousness of Allah Taala. If a person is conscious of Allah Taala, he will abide by the laws of Shariah.
One can strengthen his ma’rifat through tazkiyah, that is, purifying ones soul from evils. To stay in the company of a pious person is an effective way of gaining Ma’rifat of Allah Taala.
You may read further on the topic at :
http://www.almahmood.org/
http://www.alinaam.org.za/tasawwuf/tasawwuf.htm
And Allah knows best
Wassalam
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In'aamiyyah