The Function of " Ego" in Maqalat; Manifestation of " the Mirror Stage" in " the Imaginary Realm" of Shams-e Tabrizi and Its Narcissistic Traits

Shams-e Tabrizi is an eminent figure in Sufism and also is one of the most influential characters on Jalāl al-Din Rūmi, however based on existing sources some aspects of his character is ambiguous. In Maqalat, written by Shams-e Tabrizi and reflecting its author’s life and beliefs, we encounter some phrases referring to concepts of self-assertion and boastfulness which represent the position of the concept of "ego" in the author’s mind. These phrases mainly refer to admirable aspects of "self" or criticize and denounce some Sufis. But on the other hand, in Islamic mysticism and Sufism, self-assertion and boastfulness are obstacles to attain the Truth. So, we are faced with a paradox in Maqalat that is mainly rooted in the author's personality. According to the psychoanalytical approach, literary works are examined as the mentality of the author and reflections of his/her unconscious. In the present article, based on method of psychological criticism, we attempt to study Maqalat, and to examine the "realm of imagination" of the author regarding to the concept of ego. This is done by mapping the metaphorical process of "the mirror stage" and showing the emergence of narcissism and its behavioral appearances.