Special Narrative Patterns for Narrating Samāʿ Stories in Sufi's Comprehensive Manual Books and Tezkire Books from Fourth to Sixth Century A.H

Document Type : Research article

Authors

1 M. A. in Persian language & literature, Faculty of letters and humanities, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Persian Language & Literature, Faculty of Letters and humanities, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

Narratives serve as important tools of pedagogy within Sufi literature. Among the most profound and distinctive teachings highlighted throughout their texts is that of Samāʿ. A careful examination of pivotal Sufi works penned between the 4th to 6th centuries reveals that these narratives may be classified into thirteen distinct patterns. Each pattern has been assigned a title in this article. These stories are didactical in comprehensive manual books, while In Tezkire books, they are narrated to justify Samāʿ and legitimate it as one of the Sufi's customs. An analysis of the prevalence of these recurring patterns within comprehensive manual books and Tezkire books shows that authors of Tezkire books not only drew upon established patterns of comprehensive manual books in their works but also embraced the patterns "alternative perceptions arising from inner experiences" and "extraordinary actions" to reflect the unique insights and abilities of the sheikhs. Moreover, Attār among authors of Tezkire books is recognized as an innovator in narrating some common Samāʿ stories. A closer look at the stories of Samāʿ reveals that Sufis have used specific narrative patterns for narrating stories about some of their celebrated sheikhs, namely Junayd, Shibli, and Abu Sa'id Abu al-Khayr. The narrative patterns illustrate distinct preferences by Sufis for narrating stories about them.

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Persian Language and Literature
Volume 78, Issue 251
July 2025
Pages 1-27

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History

  • Receive Date: 22 October 2024
  • Revise Date: 11 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 04 December 2024

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