The Reflection of Pilgrimage Rituals and the Condition of Pilgrims in the Razavi Praises of the Safavid Period

The Razavi praises of the Safavid period, in addition to the praise and manqabat, also have historical and social benefits, and among them some of the social customs, pilgrimage and pilgrimage of the shrine of Imam Reza (AS) can be found in the two tenth to twelfth centuries. Based on the findings of this research, in these praises, some rites and traditions of pilgrimage, such as enlightenment, funeral, carrying coffins, packing, thresholding, offering recommended prayers in the Razavi shrine, intercession, among others are mentioned. Another point worthy of attention in intercession in the Razavi praises of this period is the expression of material and spiritual needs and desires and a kind of request of poets to the eighth Imam, which in the poem of this period, entitled "Alias in praise of Shah Khorasan or Imam Reza Come". Regarding the condition of the pilgrims, points such as the crowd of pilgrims, the dusty heads and faces of the pilgrims, the breaking of the hands and feet of the pilgrims due to the crowd, the burial of a large number of people in the shrine, etc. are mentioned in these eulogies. This article using the descriptive-analytical method has shown the religious customs and traditions of visiting the Razavi shrine and the condition of the pilgrims in Mashhad in the Safavid period along with its representation in the Razavi praises. The reflection of these customs shows that the poetry of this period supports and continues the line of thought and religious policy of the Safavids against Sunni religious rivals such as the Uzbeks and the Ottomans.