Analysis of Anecdote Functions in Sanai’s Hadiqat and Their Correspondence to Randall’s Theory

Abstract

Sanai, the founder of Persian mystical poetry, is one of the poets who strived to introduce the language of mysticism practically and at times theoretically. So far, several theories have been proposed regarding mystical language. These theories, where they are based on the more general theories of language of the target religion, fall into two categories of formative theories and role-oriented theories. One of the role-oriented theories about the language of metaphysical experiences is John Herman Randall's theory. This philosopher considers religion, just like science and art, as a kind of human activity that contributes to human culture, and lists four roles for religious mysteries and myths. The present article, adopting a descriptive and analytical research method, renders a new analysis of anecdote functions in Sanai's Hadiqat al-Haqiqah and examines their correspondence to Randall's theory. The findings reveal that Sanai deploys anecdote for two purposes; first, to clarify ontological, theological, cosmological, and anthropological issues and to correct social problems, and second, among Randall's four roles, Sanai’s Hadiqat al-Haqiqah anecdotes, in the first place, play the role of stimulating practical senses and strengthening practical commitments (Anthropological), and stimulating senses of cooperation and social cohesion (Social), in the second place. The next two roles, namely the transmission of unspeakable human experiences (Theological) and the explanation of the glorious divine system (Cosmological) have been considered less by this mystic poet. These roles place Sanai’s mysticism under the banner of Khorasan School, which is better known as humanism and socialism.

Keywords

• language of mysticism
• anecdote
• hadiqat al-haqiqah
• sanai
• randall