What is the difference between "taʿlam" (you know) and "taʿrif" (you are acquainted with/recognize) in the statement: "You know, O Allah, my affairs; You are acquainted with/recognize, O Allah, my affairs," and what is the ruling on that?

It is not permissible to say, "Allah knows such and such" using the word "ya'rifu" (يعرف), but rather one should say, "Allah knows" using the word "ya'lamu" (يعلم). This is because ma'rifah (معرفة - knowing/cognition) is lesser than 'ilm (علم - knowledge), and it is preceded by ignorance. It is used for limited knowledge that is attained through reflection, contemplation, and learning, and this is impossible concerning Allah the Almighty. Ma'rifah is the apprehension of particulars, while 'ilm is the apprehension of universals. Allah has chosen for Himself the name "Al-A'lam" (the Most Knowing) and its derivatives such as "Al-A'lim" (the Knower), "Al-Aleem" (the All-Knowing), and "Al-Allam" (the All-Knowing). He also used the verbs "a'lima" (knew) and "ya'lamu" (knows), and He informed us that He possesses 'ilm (knowledge) without using the word ma'rifah.