Innovation in the Interpretation of the Stories of Kashf al-Asrar and Odat al-Abrar

Abstract

In addition to the interpretive and mystical dimension, the discovery of Kashf al-Asrar has a special place among the Sufi works from literary, narrative, and artistic perspectives. The widespread use of anecdotes, along with comments - general and exaggerated - on Meibodi's storytelling reminds the need for careful and reliable research. In this regard, and in response to the main research question of the innovative and creative aspects of storytelling in Meibodi’s works, using the tables and diagrams, we examined the characteristics of stories and dominant elements in the third chapter of the fifth and sixth volumes in a descriptive-analytical way. The delicacies and buds of this innovation in the sixth century AH provide a more accurate, realistic, and authentic perspective than the place, function, and evolution of the story. Examples of the presence of multiple characters, dynamic, believable characterization, the effective presence of women, the use of the hadith and the types of monologues, the tone and mood of the characters in the conversation, the first-person point of view, the details of the scene, relatively complex and strong plot, the unpredictable ending, the multiplicity of themes in a story and the use of story style in the story show Meibodi's creativity in the narrative. In 4 stories out of 42 anecdotes, the detailed treatment of the story elements brings the stories closer to the structure of the short story. Meybodi's subtleties and smart innovations in a context of love and faith lead to the truthfulness of the stories and the companionship and empathy of the reader in Kashf al-Asrar.