Three Shi‘a Poets: Sect-Related Themes in Pre-Modern Urdu Poetry

Main Article Content

Zahra Sabri

Abstract

This paper examines the ways in which sectarian differences were approached by three major Urdu poets: Sauda, Mir and Ghalib. These poets evoked, acknowledged, played upon, and even enjoyed Sunni-Shi‘ite differences without the situation always reaching some kind of instantaneous flashpoint of sectarian “tension”. Contrary to recent arguments that sectarian affiliation can be discerned through evidence of ritual practice of pilgrimage and paying respect to the shrines of certain historical personages of spiritual importance, in the Indian environment, as no doubt elsewhere also, it appears difficult to pin down sectarian affiliation from rituals and expressions of respect and devotion to the Prophet’s household.

Article Details

Section
Working Paper
Author Biography

Zahra Sabri, McGill University

PhD Student, Institute of Islamic Studies

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