The Journal of Epic Literature
Year:2007 | Volume:3 | Issue:4|Papers Count:12

Stories and allegories in Masnavi Mawlana are true introduction to comprehend Masnavi and a path to enter it’s unknown realm.Since in Mowlana’s teachings truth is inseparable from the spiritual law (Shari’at), and the spiritual way (Tariqu’at) also reveals the states of the soul of the prophets, by pursuing these states (Ahval) and stages (Maqamat) of the prophets and saints in Masnavi, one can better understand the secret spiritual path and the truth. Hence contemplation on such stories will enable one to unveil the mysteries in Masnavi in order to appreciate its subtilities.

The purpose of this article is to introduce and understand the scientific merits of an outstanding literary man, philosopher, scholar, of the 7th Century A. H. Kamal aI-din Maytham bin Ali bin Maytham Bahrani. Ibn Maytham has a thorough understanding in a wide range of disciplines such as Philosophy, Mysticism, Discourse, Principles of theological Rhetoric, and other fields. He is the utmost master in many areas. He is a distinguished and distinct figure compared with his contemporaries in matters of Asceticism, Abstinence, and moral Excellence. He is equally worshiped by his masters and his desciples. During his sixty three years, he has written eighteen works of high caliber on the above disciplines.

This article is the third and final part of a series of articles written by the late Professor Sadjadi, in introducing the stylistic characteristics of the Persian poetry in the 6th century A.H. This selection concentrates on two other prominent poets of this century namely, Khaghani Sharvani, and Zahir-al din Faryabi. Furthermore, he has introduced some generalities about the style of Persian Poetry in the 7th century.

This piece of writing is the second part of late Dr Forozanfar’s lectures given at Tehran University in 1335, compiled and revised by Dr Hakemi. The notes discuss various issues such as the impact of Mongols culture and dictum on the works from the 7th century onwards; the influence of Sufism and mysticism on the prose and poetry, also the impact of the Race and Religion on Literature and Culture of the époque.In narrating Dr Forozanfar's words attempt is made to remain true to his multi dimentional references.

Mowlana's Masnavi, the great masterpiece of Persian Poetry has been appreciated from the very beginning especially in the very recent years. As with any work of art, the possibilities of a great poem is never exhausted. It's loveliness and its significance increases, and its value to the reader increases as the reader himself continues to develop. With great Poetry, there is no saturation point: It is a 'joy for ever'. In this article attempt is made to introduce three concepts, namely "Seize the Day", "Sanctuary of God, and "Gift of friendship" drawn from the great work of Masnavi Manavi. The common basis of this selection is their application in everyday lives of the people irrespective oftime and place.

Since Poetry is the language of the hearts secrets, arising from the emotions of sensitive souls, it is recognized as a kind of Alchemy which tends to bind words together in meaning as well as in sound. Among the prominent Persian poets, Farrokhi is the utmost example of a poet who in combining subject matter with music has taken great steps. His taste in choosing euphonious, eloquent, and charming words is admirable. The outstanding feature of his poetry is the musical quality of his lines, whose rhythms emphasize the meaning of a word or phrase calling it sharply to our attention.

Iblis in Masnavi Mauwlana has two distinct faces. On one hand, its character is recognized as being vicious, and ominious, determined to destroy the God's purpose. At times, it is regarded as being equivalent to Nafs Amareh, leading man to temptation, and only through the directions of a spiritual guide one can be saved from such temptations. However, in Masnavi the other face of Iblis is rather peculiar, and there are similarities of vision with the works of great mystics such as Ain al Ghozat, and Hallaj. This image of Iblis is revealed in the story of' Muaweyah,and Iblis" where one comes to realize the broadmindedness, and profound vision of a man who implicitly makes invaluable, scholarly points. This story has been revised in this article and Mawlana's viewpoints, and also similar inferences in the history of mystical thought were investigated. 

The present article makes reference to the traditions of lexicography and the encyclopedia like works, written alphabetically encompassing wide range of knowledge such as culture, science, technology, biography, plus the works of prominent scholars. Further, the name of the most reliable Dictionaries, and their features from the 5th century A.H till present time is given. Also the impact of the contemporary Dictionaries on Literature and science is discussed.

Imagining life without suffering is certainly contrary to the common sense, hence the concept of suffering and pain has always preoccupied the mind of thinking men however differently expressed. Mawlana contemplated this idea profoundly. In this article Mawlana's views on different kinds of suffering, the reasons for it, and its revelating outcome has been investigated. Mawlana divides suffering into two major groups: First the kind of suffering man himself brings upon himself, and the second is the one God the beneficent bestows on man for his perfection, and growth. He regards the first kind arising from man's ignorance and his egoism, hence he rejects it. However, he accepts the suffering of the second kind for they emanate from God's grace with revelating outcomes in man's life.

In this article attempt is made to point out briefly the following subjects:1. The impact of Old Persian Literary works such as Thousand and one nights on European Literature.2. Formation and development of a bond between the west and the East, as well as discussing the influential factors involved.3. Interchange of cultures, Occidental Literature meets Oriental Literature.4. Introducing great literary figures of the Victorian Age and their works inspired by the Oriental Literature.

Ta'rikh-i Jahan Gusha written by Juvaini is one of the most celebrated manuscripts in the history and literature of the persian language. Juvaini includes the history of three major events and catastrophies in the history of Iran during the 6th and 7th century A.H, the first half of the 13th century. that is to say mongol's period, the rise and fall of Kharazmshahian monarchy, and the history of the Ismailis of Persia. This article investigates the linguistic functions of this work under the heading "historical and literary functions". Furthermore, Juvaini's manner of historiography in all the three volumes has been compared linguistically and evaluated on the literary basis.