The Theory of Love (ʿishq) in Rūzbihān Baqlī Shīrāzī’s Kitāb ʿAbhar al-ʿāshiqīn

Abstract

In this study, I examine the argument of love (ʿishq) of Rūzbihān Baqlī Shīrāzī (d. 1209), also known as the “Master of Ecstatic Utterances” (Shaykh-i Shaṭṭāḥ). According to the prominent French Orientalist Corbin, Rūzbihān Baqlī Shīrāzī’s Kitāb ʿAbhar al-ʿāshiqīn, which I discuss in this study, is his representative work as he describes it as “a treasure of Persian literature.” In this masterpiece, Rūzbihān claims that human love connects with divine love. To prove this connection between human love and divine love, he carefully considered his usage of the term “love,” thereby attempting to dissolve profane image of human love. In addition, he constructed the theoretical argument of love, which could be regarded as the love “theory.” Therefore, I conclude that the appraisal of Rūzbihān revealed by previous researchers tended to excessively emphasize the prominent role of love. Indeed, Corbin mentions Rūzbihān as one of the Sufis belonging to the “Iranian Sufism” trend which ardently stresses on the oneness of the trinity of love, lover, and beloved, such as Aḥmad Ghazālī (d. 1126).Rather, it should be noted that Rūzbihān attaches more weight to the connection between God and man through the intercession of love than love itself, which is a significant point of Rūzbihān’s love theory. Further, I will show the development process of his love theory, in order to suggest the importance of his attachment to the special people, such as prophets or saints. From this viewpoint, I would like to re-examine Rūzbihān’s love argument and elucidate the actual role that his love theory plays in his works.