The Concept of the "Heart" and Its Place in the Poetry of Mowlana Abdollah Masra‘-Saffir

الملخص

Abstract
One of the key concepts frequently explored by Sufis and Sufi poets is the notion of the "heart" (دل). Mowlana Masra‘, a Sufi poet, whose works are infused with Sufi terminology, particularly focuses on the heart. The aim of this article is to investigate the concept of the heart and its significance in the poetry of Abdollah Masra‘-Saffir. In Masra‘s works, the heart holds an exalted position, being referenced more than 500 times throughout his poetry. This study adopts a descriptive and library-based research method.It can be argued that, in Masra's thought, the heart symbolizes the divine throne; the prosperity or ruin of a human being is contingent upon the state of the heart. The heart of a seeker must first be broken and then rebuilt, strengthened through meditation to enable it to transcend the celestial spheres. Although Masra‘, like many other mystics, claims an inability to fully comprehend the nature of the heart, he likens it to the highest spiritual concepts in his poetry. The heart, as described by Masra‘, is a polished and purified heart, one that finds tranquility in the remembrance of God: "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest" (الا بِذکراللهِ تَطمَئِنُ القُلُوب).
Keywords: Masra, Heart, Mysticism, Poetry, Heart-related Concepts.