Understanding Mysticism in Alisher Navoi’s “Foniy” Divan

Summary

The 15th-century poet and thinker Mir Alisher Navoi used his divan Foniy to express Sufi concepts such as repentance, annihilation of the self, unity, and divine bewilderment. His poetry argues that love and divine truth transcend religious and physical boundaries, equating the Ka‘ba and the monastery to emphasize the universality of divine love. Comparisons with Rumi, Hafez, and Sa’di show Navoi’s blend of poetic elegance with mystical thought, and his themes of religious tolerance and unity resonate with modern pluralism.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This article explores the mystical (irfaniy) perspectives of the 15th-century renowned Muslim poet and thinker, Mir Alisher Navoi, as reflected in his divan Foniy. Sufism and its teachings have long played a significant role in shaping Islamic thought, influencing human perception, self-awareness, and moral refinement. Alisher Navoi, as a distinguished poet of his time, deeply engaged with Sufi philosophy and incorporated its themes into his literary works. His Foniy divan vividly illustrates key Sufi concepts such as repentance (tawba), annihilation of the self (fana), unity (wahdat), and divine bewilderment (hayrat). The article examines Navoi’s poetic reflections on these spiritual ideas, particularly his view that love and divine truth transcend religious and physical boundaries. Drawing comparisons with the works of earlier Sufi poets such as Rumi, Hafez, and Sa’di, the study highlights Navoi’s mastery in blending poetic elegance with profound mystical thought. His expressions of religious tolerance and unity resonate with modern concepts of pluralism and inclusivity. Through a close reading of selected ghazals, especially his famous verse equating the Ka‘ba and the monastery, the paper sheds light on Navoi’s belief in the universality of divine love and the ultimate goal of spiritual unity.

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