Journal of the stylistic of Persian poem and prose
volume Number 18، number In Volume 7، October 2025 ، issue Number 113

Reflection of Blindness in the Works of Attar and Rumi

Afsaneh Ahangari , Ahmad Ghanipour Malekshah (Author in Charge), Masoud Rouhani , Hossein Hassanpour Alashti

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Blindness is a type of physical disability that has been used symbolically and metaphorically in Persian literature, especially in mystical texts. However, less attention has been paid to the way blind individuals live and their social interactions, as well as the beliefs surrounding them. The present research focuses on this latter aspect of blindness in the works of Attar and Rumi, aiming to understand their dual perspectives on blind individuals.

METHODOLOGY: This study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach through library research, data collection, and analysis of the sources.

FINDINGS: The findings indicated that due to the prevalence of incorrect and superstitious beliefs, a negative and unjust perception of disabled individuals, including the blind, has been prevalent, and this negativity is reflected in some of the works of Attar and Rumi.

CONCLUSION: Attar and Rumi have a moral approach to blindness and have considered it a kind of divine punishment that is the result of stubbornness, rebellion, and suffering from sin. Attar has not paid much attention to the aspects of the lives of the blind in his works and has used their existence to explain and justify some mystical and moral meaning. Although Rumi"s stories sometimes witness contradictions about the blind, at the same time there are signs of empathy and respect for them. Rumi has not considered disability to be an obstacle to communication with the Creator and personal growth.

Keyword
blindness , blind people , disability , Attar , Rumi , works

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