The Conceptual Metaphor of Idol in Islamic Mysticism and its Comparison with the Aesthetics of Hegel's Spirit

Metaphor has long been increasingly attracting literates’ attention in its literary and rhetorical form. However, thanks to the views put forward by Lakoff and Johnson with regard to conceptual metaphors, the metaphor gained a widespread and significant meaning. One of the metaphors which has received a good deal of attention in Persian literature in terms of literary aspects and the creation of artistic creativity and aesthetics is the metaphor of idol. Because mystics have conveyed mystical impressions about many terms and concepts of literature, they have made use of different conceptions and interpretations in regard to the idol metaphor. This term is of high importance in relation to religious interpretations; because idolatry has been accompanied by punishment; for this reason, considering that they have primarily focused their attention on divine compassion in their viewpoints, some mystics including Mowlavi, Shabestrari, and Ibn Arabi have had a tendency to use idol in its nonmetaphorical manner. Comparatively, there exists a similar theory in Hegel’s thoughts as to the field of sculpture. Being contingent on these cases, the present paper seeks to prove this issue that conceptual metaphors have long been drawn upon by thinkers and, especially mystics in their interpretations. Even though these thinkers have not taken advantage of the system and framework presented by Lakeoff and Johnson, they have set forth this issue in another form and format.