The Allegory of the Heedless Pilgrim and the Wise Woman in Hadiqat al-Haqiqah
In Section 52 of the Hadiqat al-Haqiqah, Sanai relates the story of a young man who, while performing the Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), becomes infatuated with a woman at first sight and confesses his desire to her. The woman, representing spiritual wisdom, sternly admonishes him for his misplaced focus. She reminds him that the Kaaba is a sacred space of spiritual awe, fear, and imminent danger, rather than worldly gratification or lustful gazing (evil glance). She highlights the hypocrisy of being in the presence of the Creator—who is fully observant of the pilgrim—while the pilgrim's heart is entirely absent and distracted by carnal desires. Through this allegory, Sanai teaches the Sufi principle of absolute spiritual presence and the necessity of guarding one's eyes and heart from worldly distractions, especially in sacred contexts.
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Humanities
Literature
Persian Literature Prerequisite Course