The Beginnings of Persian Ascetic Poetry

Persian ascetic poetry is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings. The practical teachings of Islam inspiring this type of poetry included abstention from worldly affairs, purification of the carnal soul, promoting spiritual ethics, etc. These three characteristics are most prominent in Persian ascetic poetry. Ascetic poetry represents the early experiences of S¦uf¦ â poetry, which upon refinement develops into mystical poetry. In this article, the writer first presents a review of the ascetic lifestyle of a number of ascetic poets and then explains the tendencies found in their poetry.