Discourse Analysis

Khalid Saifullah Khalid Saifullah

doi:10.32350/llr.v2i1.245

Abstract

The present study aims at analyzing the discourse of Sufi poetry, a prominent genre of Sufi Literature. Sufi poets have been publicizing Sufism and their philosophy through poetry. Text and language is central to Sufi literature therefore Sufi poets use poetic language to mesmerize the hearts of people. In this study thematic discourse analysis of Sufi poetry is conducted in qualitative research paradigm whereas Post-structuralism is used as theoretical framework epistemologically. Textual data in form of poetry verses is collected purposively from online resources. The study concludes that poetry of two Sufi poets, Bulleh Shah and Rumi holds common themes of universal love, purification of soul and humility.

Highlights

Sufism has been influencing the spirituality of human kind for a long span of time
Body holds secondary value in Sufism and it is merely considered the container of spirit that is why soul and spirituality is the primary concern of all Sufis
The study is designed to conduct a discourse analysis of commonly emerging patterns of Sufi poetry. It is a matter of discourse analysis to review how Sufi poets use different expressions in their poetry and how they communicate through language

Summary

Introduction

Sufism has been influencing the spirituality of human kind for a long span of time. The origin of Sufism dates back to Muhammad (PBUH), prophet of Islam and even to the earlier prophets of different religions (Conway, 2006, 1). Rumi had three main texts written in different forms of poetry: the Diwan-i Shams-i-Tabriz (odes), written in the memory of Rumi’s spiritual master, the Masnavi and the Rubaiyat (quatrains) All these books have common elements that they all suggest the very madness of divine experience (Nicholson, 2001, xvii).The new wave of enthusiasm for Jalal Uddin Rumi’s poetry in America and Europe has brought Sufism to the attention of many liberal western people who misunderstood Islam after the incident of 9-11 (Genn, 2007, 257).It helped people to realize the very nature and message of Islam that is peace and love for all. Bulleh Shah primarily practiced a poetic form kafi, a famous verse form of Punjabi, Saraiki, Sindhi and Sikh poets His poetry represents his mystical spiritual journey through the four stages of Sufism: Shariat (Path), Tariqat (Observance), Haqiqat (Truth) and Marfat (Union). Universality of their poetry brought immense fame for them, it made them immortal and they will always be alive in the hearts of their lovers (Ménage, & Arberry, 1962, vi, Unher & Bano, 2009, 1)

Methodology

Conclusion