An Examination of Using Persian Language by " Afzal ad-Din Kāshāni" in Philosophical Writing

Although Islamic philosophy played a matchless role in the development of the reflective and creative thinking, it has lost its role in the present world. Grandiloquent writing style of philosophers like Mirdamad can be regarded as a cause of such drift, whereas using plain Persian language appeals to the readers and makes it more popular. Among Islamic scholars, “Afzal ad-Din Kāshāni” also known as “Bābā Afzal” intentionally employs the latter style. Using a descriptive-analytic method, the present article attempts to examine how and why he uses such style. The results show that in his writing style, Bābā Afzal took into consideration the time period and common audience perception; furthermore, he put emphasis on mother tongue to articulate philosophy by empathetic language. Integration of these elements produces an eloquent philosophic prose without the common problematic philosophical language of Persian writers.