The article “A Beginner’s Take on Sufi Poetry: Does the Sufi Love Transcend Religious Borders to Encapsulate Humanity?” presents an understanding regarding the Sufi prose as written by different poets. Mizan mentions that love is an overriding theme in Sufi poetry (148). Sufi poesy depicts the distinct aspects and subsequent trait of affection. Understandably, the text leans its argument that Sufi verse develops the topic of love by mentioning renowned poets like Attar, Shams, Hafiz, and Rumi who embrace it throughout their various poems. The love which the poets create in their texts is considered to exemplify the gorgeous symbolism of the true love amid God and man (Mizan 151). In other words, the Sufi pieces of literature are regarded as one of the critical parts of Islamic civilization and literature. The supreme God instituted in the Sufi works is the same that is located in the Quran and Islam works, in general. Arguably, the article develops a clear glimpse that the exponential interest of the Sufi books among the non-Muslims is an exemplification that this literature of Islam serves beyond analyzing the kindred between God and man. Rather, it includes the entire humanity without the focus on the religious backgrounds of the audience hence expressing universality.
The author manages to prove her point that despite people having mixed reactions of the Sufis, the piece is significantly meant for the Muslim audience. The sentiments of the Sufis about love reflect the present-day understanding of it among people in society. Mizan opines by quoting Rumi’s argument that if individuals must achieve the beloved, they must leave their specific coziness zones and challenge themselves while spoiling their reputation (152). Arguably, these sentiments contradict the societal norms that advocate respect, peace, and humanity among people regardless of religious, class, or political differences. Therefore, it is prudent to note that the author persuades the audience towards comprehending that Sufis are meant for the Muslim audience and it imparts unethical thoughts in the reader’s mind because it disregards identity.
References
Mizan, Arpeeta. Shams. “A Beginner’s Take on Sufi Poetry: Does the Sufi Love Transcend Religious Borders to Encapsulate Humanity?” Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, vol. 61, no. 1, 2016, pp. 147–159.