Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

A Comparative Stylistic Analysis of the Intellectual and Literary Dimensions in the Tahmidiyyas of Sanāʾī’s Hadīqat al-Ḥaqīqa and ʿAṭṭār’s Manṭiq al-Ṭayr

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Hamid Akbarpour 1
Masood Rohani 2
Aliakbar BagheriKhalili 3
Siavash Haghjoo 2
1 Department of Mystical Literature, Mazandaran University, Mazandaran, Iran.
2 Department of Persian Language and Literature, Mazandaran University, Mazandaran, Iran.
3 Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Mazandaran University, Mazandaran, Iran.
10.22034/ias.2021.261917.1467
Abstract
Sanāʾī’s Hadīqat al-Ḥaqīqa is a pioneering work in Persian mystical poetry, followed by ʿAṭṭār’s Manṭiq al-Ṭayr, which serves as its complement. However, the latter differs in certain aspects, exhibiting its own distinct style. This study examines the intellectual and literary similarities and differences between the two tahmidiyyas (introductory praise sections) in these key Sufi texts, aiming to elucidate the authors’ respective perspectives and thoughts. Additionally, it explores their literary and artistic aesthetics in articulating mystical ideas within their tahmidiyyas. Adopting a structuralist approach, the research analyzes the intellectual and literary dimensions of both tahmidiyyas. The findings reveal that Sanāʾī’s mystical temperament is more rational and cautious, with didactic elements dominating his Hadīqa, whereas ʿAṭṭār’s mysticism is more impassioned and restless, marked by a greater emphasis on romantic fervor in his poetry. In Hadīqa, social wisdom is more pronounced, while Manṭiq al-Ṭayr foregrounds love and individuality. Despite these differences, their shared adherence to mystical monotheism (tawḥīd) ensures a fundamental unity in their theological outlook.
Research Objectives:

To examine the intellectual and literary dimensions of the tahmidiyyas in these two major Sufi works.
To identify the reasons behind the intellectual and stylistic differences between the tahmidiyyas of Hadīqa and Manṭiq al-Ṭayr.

Research Questions:

What accounts for Sanāʾī’s rational approach in his tahmidiyya?
How does ʿAṭṭār’s model differ from Sanāʾī’s paradigm of socially oriented wisdom?
Keywords
Tahmidiyya
Stylistics
Hadīqat al-Ḥaqīqa
Manṭiq al-Ṭayr
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