A Poetic Interpretation of The Four Journeys (Asfār-e Arba‘eh) (Based on Mystical Ghazals)

The theory of the Four Spiritual Journeys (Asfār-e Arba‘eh), which explores the profound concept of movement and transformation in the course of Mystical wayfaring, has been extensively reflected in Persian Mystical poetry and ghazals, alongside its presence in certain anecdotal narratives. From the perspective of Philosophy (Ḥikmat) and Mysticism, these journeys occur in four stages:
1. Departure from Creation (the outer) toward the Truth (the inner)
2. Journey within the Truth alongside the Truth
3. Return to Creation with the Truth
4. Journey within Creation with the Truth
Mystic/Āref poets have depicted these stages in their lyrical poetry through symbolic and metaphorical imagery as follows:
1. Renunciation of faith (religion/asceticism), knowledge, and Reason (representing the three main forms of superficiality and Externalism)
2. Realization of Blasphemy (as a mark of love and Inner vision)
3. Realization of Qalandari and Rendi (spiritual libertinism)
4. Realization of Mission (Risālah) and spiritual authority/Sainthood (wilāyah)
These stages—or Valleys—of the spiritual journey are conveyed through a symbolic, metaphorical, and allegorical language (such as Mosque, Tavern, Cloak, Wine, Prayer niche, and Eyebrow...), so much so that readers of such poetry may misunderstand it, failing to interpret them clearly for others, thus remaining unaware of their symbolic and metaphorical meanings. Comparative study of epistemological themes and lyrical poetry, coupled with research into the decoding of Mystical expressions and terminology, may inaugurate a new chapter in literary and Mystical studies and elevate lyrical poetry to higher epistemological and spiritual levels.