Glorifying human qualities and condemning vices in Sufi Ahmad Yasawi’s poems

Abstract

This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Sufi tradition, specifically focusing on human behavior and the concept of the ego. To accomplish this, we focus on the profound poems of Sufi Ahmad Yasawi, which provide a valuable means of exploration. This article critically analyzes the importance that Sufi Yasawi places on concepts such as repentance, goodness, and integrity, while also exploring his strong disapproval of vices like impurity, ignorance, and greed. The study aims to establish connections between these teachings and ethical principles, illuminating the influence of positive and negative behavior on individuals and society. This exploration analyzes several Sufi Yasawi’s wisdom poems from a literary-philosophical perspective, revealing timeless guidance on spiritual and moral values. The wisdom expressed in his poetry goes beyond the constraints of time and space, guiding humanity towards a virtuous path.

Keywords:

• Literature
• Sufi studies
• human qualities
• moral perfection
• ethical beliefs

Public Interest Statement

Step into the enchanting realm of Sufi poetry and embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. In this article, we explore the timeless verses of Sufi Ahmad Yasawi, a revered figure in Islamic Sufi literature. His poetry celebrates human virtues and encourages self-reflection on our behavior and ego. In his wisdom poems, we delve into the importance of virtues such as wisdom, patience, and excellence, and how they contribute to genuine dignity and personal growth. Explore the mysterious realm of Sufism, which emphasizes love for the Motherland and trust in the Divine. Join us in exploring Sufi literature, which offers valuable insights for our spiritual growth and moral compass, transcending time and place. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted by the poetry of Sufi Ahmad Yasawi, as he reveals the art of finding inner peace and fostering a harmonious society.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. In Arabic, “Murabba” or “Arbar” translates to “four,” signifying a poetic structure consisting of four lines. In the context of poetry, short poems with four lines are commonly referred to as “Murabba”.

2. “Dervish” is a person who joins a certain Sufi Order and promotes its ideals.

3. “Eran” or “Eren” – in the Sufi tradition, is used as a generic name for saints.

4. It is an expression that means “piri-ustadi” of the tavern keepers (or chief of fire in Zoroastrianism), it has been used in Sufi literature in its metaphorical sense, like saki, a person distributing the wine of truth. “Pir-i Mugan” means a mentor who offers this divine love and joy to “Dervishes”.

5. Qarun (Korah) belonged to the people of Prophet Moses (eace be upon him) and was known for his tyrannical nature.

6. Fereydun, a legendary Iranian king, symbolizes victory, justice, and generosity in Persian literature.

7. “PBUH” is an abbreviation expressing respect for the Prophet Muhammad in Islamic tradition. Muslims use the Arabic blessing “Peace be upon him” when mentioning the Prophet.

8. In traditional epic literature of the Near and Middle East, “Vomiq” represents a lover, while “Uzra” embodies a beloved girl.

9. “Farhad and Shirin” is the name of one of the romantic stories and epics that have a traditional meaning in the literature of Persian peoples and were written by several authors.

10. The ancient Arabic legend of “Layla and Majnoon” encompasses a tale of profound love and devotion.

11. “Prophet (Hüd, peace be upon him) Eber’s people” refers to the followers of Prophet Hüd, who appears in Islamic and Christian religious history.

12. Mansour Al-Ḥallāj (858–922) In literature Al-Ḥallāj is written as an early Sufi mystic who was condemned of heresy because of his ecstatic utterances “I am the truth”,” i.e., “I am God”.

13. Venerable Shaykh Abu Bakr Shibli (861–946)—a great Sufi of Persian descent and a disciple of the venerable Shaykh Junayd of Baghdad, was scholar and master saint.

14. Venerable Shaykh Bayazid Bistami (804–874) was a Persian Sufi from north-central Iran, a great scholar and master saint.

15. Venerable Shaykh Junayd of Baghdad (830–910) was a Persian mystic and one of the most famous of the early Islamic saints, a great scholar and master saint.

16. Venerable Shaykh Zūl-Nūn al Misri (or Dhūl-Nūn al-Miṣrī, 796–839) was an early Egyptian Muslim mystic, ascetic, and master saint.

17. Zulayho, according to existing narratives, was the wife of Egypt’s Minister of Finance during the time of Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him).

18. ArslanBob, a Turki saint, served as the spiritual guide of Ahmad Yassawi. For further details, refer to Ali ibn Husain Safi’s book “Rashahat.”

19. Houri refers to a Paradise woman (not human)—extremely beautiful who is depicted as a reward for faithful Muslim believers in Paradise.

20. Fanofillah means to sacrifice all one’s actions for the Beloved, i.e., Allah Almighty.

21. Ghilmān is mentioned in the Quran, which refers to serving young, handsome and strong boys (not human) in Paradise.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zuhriddin Juraev

Zuhriddin Juraev is an accomplished philologist with expertise in foreign languages (French and English) and literature. He holds a Master of Arts degree and has six years of experience teaching foreign languages in both public and private education systems. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the General Graduate School of Chonnam National University in South Korea. Mr. Juraev is a skilled independent researcher in the division of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Boburjon Rajavaliev

Boburjon Rajavaliev is a highly skilled specialist in Uzbek Language and Literature, with six years of experience as a teacher in the public education system. Additionally, he serves as the head of an independent educational center that prepares students for university entrance exams. Boburjon is currently researching Turkic world Sufi Literature for his master’s thesis at Fergana State University’s Graduate School. The authors’ work contributes to a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage and spiritual legacy of Sufi poetry in the Turkic World, and their significant influence on society.