Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, had a profound influence on Alisher Navoi’s poetry and worldview. Many of his works explore Sufi themes such as divine love, spiritual enlightenment, and the journey of the soul toward God. Like Rumi and Attar before him, Navoi used metaphors and allegories to express deep mystical truths, making his poetry both poetic and philosophical.
One of the key Sufi themes in his works is the concept of Ishq (love), which represents not just earthly passion but the longing of the soul for the Divine. In Layli wa Majnun, for example, Majnun’s obsessive love for Layli symbolizes the soul’s intense desire to reunite with its Creator. Similarly, in his ghazals and quatrains, Navoi often describes the pain of separation from the Beloved (God) and the spiritual suffering that ultimately leads to wisdom and enlightenment.
Another common Sufi theme in Navoi’s work is the idea of the traveler (salik) on the path of spiritual awakening. In Sab’ai Sayyar ("Seven Travelers"), Navoi tells the stories of seven seekers who embark on a journey in search of truth, each facing trials that test their faith and wisdom. This reflects the Sufi belief that true knowledge comes through experience, struggle, and divine guidance.
Through his mystical poetry, Navoi conveys a vision of life as a spiritual journey, teaching readers that earthly attachments are temporary, while the quest for divine truth is eternal.