Tariqa (literally “path”) is one of the spiritual dimensions of Islam, complementing Shari’ah (Islamic law) and Haqiqah (ultimate truth or reality).
- Shari’ah is the outer path — the rules, ethics, and rituals prescribed by Islam (e.g., prayer, fasting, charity).
- Tariqa is the inner path — the spiritual discipline and journey through purification of the heart and soul to draw closer to Allah, typically under the guidance of a spiritual teacher (murshid).
- Haqiqah is the destination or reality — direct experiential knowledge of divine truths, a state reached by those who perfect both the outer and inner path.