The Overt and Covert Aspects of Ideology, Sharia, and Ethics in Tarikh-e Beyhaghi

Tarikh-e Beyhaghi is one of the important Persian prose works written by Abolfazl Beyhaghi, an elite of the Ghaznavid Dynasty. The book was written in the fifth Hegira century based on the official letters and documents of the King's court as well as the author's diaries. At an early age, Beyhaghi learned didactic and writing skills from Bunasr Moshkan, the minister of the Ghaznavid Divan-e Rsaael Dynasty (the highly confidential correspondence department). Thanks to his flair and enthusiasm for reading and writing, Behayaghi became prominent enough to be entrusted with the managerial affairs of the Divan-e Rsaael after the demise of his supervisor, Moshkan. His book, part of which remained to date, included both historical and literary texts. While religious fanaticism, degeneration of ethical values, insecurity, indecency, and the greed for wealth and power among the officials was highest, Beyhaghi delineated events during the Ghaznavid dynasty both meticulously and impartially in very rhythmic words. As a result, he created a unique piece of work that unequivocally mirrored his age. The present study is an attempt at reflecting the overt and covert layers of ideology, Sharia, and ethics of the officials he worded.