Journal of Imamiyyah Studies

Journal of Imamiyyah Studies

An Examination of the Absolute Authority (Wilāyat Muṭlaqa) of Lady Fāṭima (AS) in Persian Poetry

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
zahra GaribHosseini 1
Hossein Hosseiniamin 2
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Kerman, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy and Islamic Theology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Kerman, Iran
10.22034/jis.2025.448836.1951
Abstract
With a precise understanding of the concept of absolute authority [or guardianship] (Wilāyat Mutlaqa), many of the theological dimensions of the Shi'a school of thought regarding the character of Lady Fāṭima (S.A.) can be analyzed and explained. Many devotees of the Prophet's Household (AS) have chosen the language of poetry, which has always been of interest and appeal to audiences, to interpret the mystical concept of Wilāyat based on their own intellectual system. In other words, from the time of Nasir Khusraw (d 481/1088) until now, a significant number of early poets have reflected the sacred ranks and the status of the absolute authority of Lady Fāṭima (S.A.) in their works to respond to some ambiguities and undue arguments—such as agency in creation—by referring to this status. This intellectual movement has also been expanded and developed in contemporary poetry by using newly coined expressions and concepts constructed around the axis of Wilāyat. In Persian poems, absolute authority is considered the closest being to God in the descending order and a level of essential perfection in the ascending order of creation. In this ascending order, the "Walī" (guardian/saint) is considered the intermediary of constant grace and, through spiritual intervention in the affairs of this world and the hereafter, provides the means for the growth and development of devotees and Shi'a Muslims. The main question of the research is how poets have represented the status of Wilāyat of Lady t Fāṭima (S.A.) in the descending and ascending order of creation. The research findings show that contemporary poets have considered Lady Fāṭima's acceptance of the Wilāyat of Mawlā ʿAlī (A.S.) as a manifestation of the flow of grace and the transmission of Wilāyat. Also, the perception of her as the ultimate cause of creation in poetic language is more about seeking blessing and expressing devotion than proving real agency in the system of creation.
Keywords
Theoretical Mysticism
Fāṭima-oriented (Fatimid) Poetry
Arrangement of the System of Existence
Absolute Authority (Wilāyat Mutlaqa)
Lady Fāṭima (AS)
Subjects
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Journal of Imamiyyah Studies
Volume 11, Issue 21 - Serial Number 21
September 2025
Pages 77-105