A Structural Study of the Tales of the Moment of Attention of Sufi Sheikhs in Persian Sufi Poems

Sufi masters, considered role models of faith and righteous actions second only to the Prophet Muhammad, are central figures in Sufi literature. Tales about Sufi masters often recount their words, actions, and states in dealing with the self, others, and the Divine, constituting a significant portion of Sufi texts. In these narratives, the master typically serves as the protagonist who enlightens others through their words and deeds. However, there are instances where the master themselves undergoes a transformative experience or awakening.This study aims to examine tales of Sufi masters' awakenings in major Persian Sufi poems, including the works of Sana'i, Attar, Rumi, and Jami, and to trace the roots of these themes within the Sufi epistemological system. The findings reveal that out of 314 tales of Sufi masters in these works, 46 are narratives of awakening experiences. The factors that trigger these awakenings include encounters with ordinary people who enlighten the master about the concept of essential and functional unity, divine revelation, encounters with other, less experienced masters, and natural phenomena and animals as signs of divine guidance and lessons.In terms of narrative elements, dialogue, centered around the character of the master, plays a pivotal role in driving the action of these tales and conveying moral and religious teachings. The predominant theme of these narratives is the emphasis on the doctrine of functional unity, leading to the concepts of trust in God and acceptance of divine will, aligning with the Sufi theological and epistemological approach