RICHT Journal
PublicationAthar
1- Assistant Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, Tehran, Iran , d.zolfaghari@richt.ir
2- Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Era Texts, Research Institute of Cultural Heritage
2- Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Era Texts, Research Institute of Cultural Heritage
Abstract: (1464 Views)
For centuries, Persian has served not only as a literary language in the Indian subcontinent, but also as a medium of religious, mystical, and ritual expression. Among the most influential factors in the spread and continuity of Persian in the region has been the presence of Sufism and mystical orders—such as the Chishti and Qadiri orders—whose teachings, prayers, and spiritual texts were predominantly conveyed in Persian. This study investigates the textual and cultural vitality of Persian poetry in the inscriptions of the shrine and mosque complex of Pir Mehr Ali Shah Gilani in Golra Sharif, Pakistan. Based on a descriptive-analytical method and drawing on field observation, textual reading, and manuscript-based referencing, the research examines over fifty Persian inscriptions, selecting ten for close analysis due to their thematic and stylistic richness.
The findings reveal that Persian poetry in these inscriptions functions not as mere ornamentation, but as a bridge between sacred texts and mystical experience, playing a meaningful role in religious expression. Most inscriptions follow a tripartite structure—Qur’anic verse, prophetic ḥadīth, and Persian poetry—that conveys themes such as divine unity, spiritual authority, patience, martyrdom, esoteric knowledge, and the unity of divine action. These inscriptions serve not only as devotional texts, but also as living evidence of the enduring cultural and spiritual presence of the Persian language in Pakistan’s sacred spaces.
The findings reveal that Persian poetry in these inscriptions functions not as mere ornamentation, but as a bridge between sacred texts and mystical experience, playing a meaningful role in religious expression. Most inscriptions follow a tripartite structure—Qur’anic verse, prophetic ḥadīth, and Persian poetry—that conveys themes such as divine unity, spiritual authority, patience, martyrdom, esoteric knowledge, and the unity of divine action. These inscriptions serve not only as devotional texts, but also as living evidence of the enduring cultural and spiritual presence of the Persian language in Pakistan’s sacred spaces.
Type of Study: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Iran Heritage
Received: 2025/10/1 | Accepted: 2026/01/28 | Published: 2026/03/21
Received: 2025/10/1 | Accepted: 2026/01/28 | Published: 2026/03/21
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