Author

• Manouchehr Jowkār

Abstract

As it can be observed in the history of Iran, most of the great scholars in different branches of science are oriented toward mysticism. One of those scholars was Bahā al‐Din Muhammad Āmili (Sheykh Bahāyi), a scholar, philosopher, Faqih (expert in Fiqh), exegete, Muhaddith (Hadith expert) and poet in 10th century AH. Though Safavid dynasty originated from a mystical order, people in this era did not appreciate Sufism. Still, Sheykh Bahāyi and some other scholars of time were assumed to have profound mystical and pietical tendencies. While his poems appear to be less noteworthy as compared to his extensive knowledge in different branches of science, mystical aspect of Sheykh Bahāyi is principally reflected in his poems. This fact may be rooted in the history of Iranian poetry and mysticism. Devoid of some exceptions, unconscious mind of the public in Iran expect mysticism and poetry to coincide. Sheykh Bahāyi was a significant, respectful character in Safavid court. Meantime, he was proficient in all facets of science in his time. He also has deep mystical tendencies similar to those found in senior religious officials. All these characteristics were properly collected in this personality. Although his mysticism was not independent, it was an amorous, roguish belief, oriented to criticize and disclaim impure Sufis while appreciating true mystics and Sufis. The current study is an attempt to examine Bahāyi’s mystical thoughts and tendencies as reflected in his Persian poems including sonnets, quatrain and mathnawi.

Keywords

• Sheykh Bahāyi
• Persian poem
• Islamic Mysticm
• Love
• Asceticism
• Roguery