The Virtues of ‘Ali in Sanā’ī’s Ḥadīqat al-Ḥaqīqa

Imām ‘Alī is undoubtedly a great Islamic figure whose greatness is appreciated by both Shi’as and Sunnis. Sanā’ī was a Muslim poet who did his best to present religious, moral, and mystical virtues and dignities of the Imam, which implies his firm belief in ‘Alī. Sanā’ī was allegedly one of the first poets who deployed his poetry to promote religious beliefs. His poetry features the characteristics and virtues of ‘Alī as they appear in Quranic verses, hadiths, and historical references. According to poems in Ḥadīqat al-Ḥaqīqa, ‘Alī approximated God with worships, monotheism, jihad on the path of God, and the like. Because of having virtues such as generosity, courage, knowledge, and moderateness, and avoiding vices such as greed and rage both during and before his reign, he is introduced as the best moral role-model. Although Sanā’ī has praised ‘Alī after praising the three caliphs, he stated that it is more obligatory to honor and respect ‘Alī because of his kinship with the Prophet as well as other extraordinary and prominent characteristics of his. Sanā’ī has managed to create a tangible connection between the path of ‘Alī and that of prophethood in such a way that he can be regarded as an archetypical role-model both in this world and on the day of resurrection for Muslims and other humans. Finally, Sanā’ī has characterized ‘Alī as a religious leader, a mystical master, and a wonderful orator both for himself and for others.