Semiotic Analysis of Allegories of Divine Authority (Walāyah) in Najm al-Dīn Dāyah al-Rāzī’s (d. 654/1256) Persian Prose Works

Najm al-Dīn al-Rāzī known for his mystical prose work Mirṣād al-ʿibād min al-mabdaʼ ilāʼl-maʿād, has made an important contribution to explaining an important aspect of Iranian Sufism in Persian. For centuries after his death, his works, especially Mirṣād al-ʿibād, have been translated and taught in Anatolia and the current European continent (Bosnia).Utilizing the Persian language’s subtleties and capabilities, especially in rhetorical works and other literal tools, has improved his works more effectively, and allegory is one of the most powerful of these tools. In Persian writings, he uses allegories to convey complex ideas and concepts through symbolism, metaphor, narrative, semantic ambiguity, semantic transfer, repetition, and symmetry. In addition to illustrating abstract concepts in a more concrete and understandable way, he also encourages the audience to think about hidden and complex meanings through elements and narratives that serve as symbols and metaphors. Through these methods, parables can reach their audiences in an effective and lasting manner.As with archetypes, which have lower and higher manifestations, al-Rāzī’s allegory is as follows: the lower forms of these material objects are available to everyone, while their higher forms are transcendental manifestations of which we only have access to shadows (such as those in Plato’s Cave). Consequently, humans can reach these transcendental manifestations through the mediations of their worldly representatives (= spiritual masters, mediators of grace). The parable serves as a portal or ladder that connects the lower face with the higher and higher appearance.Scholars acknowledge that al-Rāzī’s texts highlight the soul’s transformation towards spiritual authority, which is a major concept in Sufi practice. This study uses a semiotic approach to evaluate allegories in al-Rāzī’s prose, demonstrating deeper meanings and enhancing understanding of walāya in his mystical discourse. This study aims to investigate the manner in which al-Rāzī’s symbolic language conveys the spiritual ascent toward divine realization, drawing on the work of scholars such as Julian Baldick and Annemarie Schimmel. Meanwhile, the works of Michael Sells and Alexander Knysh offer insight into the manner in which Sufi masters such as al-Rāzī employ allegorical narrative to describe the nuanced dynamics of spiritual authority.