شِعرُ التَّصَوُّفِ في مملكة غرناطة (635 ـ897هـ)

Abstract

A close examination of poetry in the Kingdom of Granada allows us to explore the extent to which Sufi concepts shaped literary production during this period of Islamic life in Al-Andalus.
Sufism introduced profound spiritual concepts to Andalusian poetry, shaped by the long journeys of mystics and their pursuit of purity, devotion, and transcendence. This led to the creation of a rich poetic language imbued with Sufi terminology, which poets used to express their visions and thoughts.
Poets frequently employed Sufi symbols and terminology such as the beloved, longing, intoxication, and union, giving their works deeper spiritual dimensions. This fusion between emotional passion and spiritual longing became a defining feature of Andalusian poetry during this time.
By studying these poetic works, we observe that Sufi influence was not limited to style and imagery; it also shaped the very essence of poetic experience. Poets expressed feelings of closeness and distance from the Divine, spiritual bewilderment, and the beauty of creation, using poetic images that merged the material with the spiritual.
Furthermore, this influence extended to other sciences, as many works on Sufism, philosophy, and other fields were written during this period, demonstrating the interconnectedness of thought and creativity in the Kingdom of Granada.
An in-depth exploration of these poetic texts and related sources reveals a sophisticated cultural environment that embraced the convergence of spirituality, philosophy, aesthetics, and science. This created a unique intellectual movement that reflected the special character of Sufism in Granada, shaped by its cultural and historical context.