The Symbolism in Persian Mystic Poetry: A Brief Historical Overview

Authors

  • Rabia Ashraf PhD Scholar, College of Arts and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore

Keywords:

Symbolism, Persian Mystic Poetry, Overview Introduction

Abstract

While some Sufis follow a literal reading of the Qur'an, others emphasize the emotional and spiritual components and ramifications of Islamic concepts. This paper maintains that the Sufi poets of Persia belong to the second category. The primary mission of their poetry has been to create an emotional connection with God through the process of experiencing Divine, or connecting with God on a personal level. This massage is abundantly expressed in the Sufi poetry through a use of symbolism. This paper highlights the way various symbols are used to express the fundamental ideas of Sufi ideology.

References

Camille Adams Helminski, Women of Sufism: A Hidden Treasure (Shambhala Publications, 2003).

Ruth J. Nicholls and Peter G. Riddell, Insights into Sufism: Voices from the Heart (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2020), 23.

Hunt Janin, The Pursuit of Learning in the Islamic World, 610-2003 (McFarland, 2006), 101.

Swami Abhayananda, History of Mysticism: The Unchanging Testament (Atma Books, 1987), 272.

Sufi Poems: A Mystic Collection from Some Spiritual Poets (Mesut Sezer, 2015), 14.

David W. Jones, Illustrations: Stories, Parables, and Quotes for Preachers, Teachers, and Other Public Speakers (Valjean Press, n.d.), 185.

Coleman Barks, The Essential Rumi - Reissue: New Expanded Edition (Harper Collins, 1995).

Hafiz, The Divan of Hafiz (The Floating Press, 2012).

Dr Wayne W. Dyer, Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao (Hay House, Inc, 2007), 50.

Shakina Reinhertz and Abū Saʻīd ibn Abī al-Khayr, Women Called to the Path of Rumi: The Way of the Whirling Dervish (Hohm Press, 2001).

Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Islamic Spirituality: Foundations, 43. (Routledge, 2013).

Published

2021-03-31

How to Cite

Rabia Ashraf. 2021. “The Symbolism in Persian Mystic Poetry: A Brief Historical Overview”. Al-Qamar 4 (1):115-24. https://alqamarjournal.com/index.php/alqamar/article/view/1047.

Issue

Section

Articles