A Study of Social Psychology in Asrār al-Tawḥīd (with an Emphasis on Carl Hovland's Attitude Change Model)

Social psychology is a science that investigates the interpersonal communications of an individual in the society. As one of the most important theories of this science, learning theory examines the attitudes, cognitions and judgments of individuals with different models. Laying emphasis on two factors of stimulability and response in this regard, Carl Hovland believes in changing attitudes in the three stages of attention, comprehension and acceptance during learning. In Persian literature, especially in didactic and mystical literature, the manifestation of such stages can be seen in abundance due to the educational nature of these works. Asrār al-tawḥīd by Muhammad ibn Monavvar, who narrates the deeds, words, and thoughts of Abū-Sa'īd Abul-Khayr, is considered one of the mystical works with educational and social aspects, indicating the way of communication and interaction between the followed and the followers (disciples) on the basis of Carl Hovland's theory as well as the circumstances of effectiveness and a change of attitudes during his time. Therefore, through the use of descriptive method, some of the anecdotes of this work, which represent the method of communication between the followed and the followers (disciples) and a change of attitude, have been investigated and analyzed on the basis of Carl Hovland's theory. Based on the mentioned theory, the results revealed that in reading the anecdotes of the Asrār al-tawḥīd, the most important factor in changing attitudes in Asrār al-tawḥīd is the messenger and the most important sender of the message is Abū-Sa'īd, who conveys the common themes of Sufism