ادبیات عرفانی (Dec 2022)
The Analytical Study of Hagiographies in Khorasan and Qumis Regions from the 4th to the 8th Century AH
Abstract
From the 4th to the 8th century AH, fifteen hagiographies were written or translated in both Persian and Arabic in the Khorasan region, including Maqamat-e Qumisani, Maqamat-e Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, Kitab al-Nur, Dastur al-Jumhur, Maqamat-e Kohan wa Nowayafteh Abu Saeid, Haalaat wa Sokhanan Abu Saeid Abul-Khair, Asrar al-Towhid, Maqamat-e Zhende-pil, Maqamat-e Manzoum Sheikh-e Jam, Thesis in proving the greatness of Sheikh-e Jam, Dhikr Qutb al-Salikin, Dhikr Qotb al-Salekin and Dhikr Sheikh Abul-Hasan Kharqani and Muntakhab-e Nur al-Ulum, Manaqib-e Hatami Joveyni, and Morad al-Moridin. The aim of this study is to examine the characteristics, influences and developments of these works. By analyzing the authors’ methods of writing hagiographies and presenting the features of the works, it was revealed that the hagiographies related to a single saint and, in general, those of the Khorasan region share many similarities. Some ancient hagiographies, such as Maqamat-e Qumisani, Kitab al-Nur, or Maqamat-e Khwaja Abdullah Ansari have a unique style and structure and show fewer similarities with later hagiographies. Given the numerous similarities between hagiographies written after Asrar al-Towhid and this ancient hagiography, it is highly probable that the later authors of the hagiography were influenced by Mohammad bin Munawwar’s work. The Arabic speaking and the scholarly, poetic, and artistic style of authors in works like Kitab al-Nur, Asrar al-Towhid, Kharqani’s hagiographies, and Morad al-Moridin in introducing the saints indicate the presence of a specific and knowledgeable audience for these works. Conversely, the weak language of the authors of Sheikh Ahmad Jam’s hagiographies and the inclusion of material miracles for revenge purposes suggest that these authors were aimed at portraying Sheikh Ahmad Jam as powerful to the general audience.
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