Jami (Abd ar-Rahman Jami), 1414-1492
Biography
Jāmī [ˈjȯ-ˌmē], in full Mowlanā Nūr od-Dīn 'Abd or-Raḥmān ebn Aḥmad Born Nov. 7, 1414, district of Jam [Afghanistan]—died Nov. 9, 1492, Herāt, Timurid Afghanistan
Persian scholar, mystic, and poet who is often regarded as the last great mystical poet of Iran.
Jāmī spent most of his life in Herāt. During his lifetime his fame as a scholar resulted in offers of patronage by many contemporary Islāmic rulers. He declined most of these offers, preferring the simple life of a mystic and scholar to that of a court poet. His prose deals with a variety of subjects ranging from Qurءānic commentaries to treatises on Ṣūfism (Islāmic mysticism) and music. Perhaps the most famous is his mystical treatise Lava'iḥ (Flashes of Light), a clear and precise exposition of the Ṣūfī doctrines of waḥdat al-wujūd (the existential unity of being), together with a commentary on the experiences of other famous mystics.
Jāmī's poetical works express his ethical and philosophical doctrines. His poetry is fresh and graceful and is not marred by unduly esoteric language. His most famous collection of poetry is a seven-part compendium entitled Haft Awrang (“The Seven Thrones,” or “Ursa Major”).
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Jāmī." Merriam Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature, Merriam-Webster, 1995. Literature Resource Center, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=GLS&sw=w&u=viva_uva&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CRN1480004894&it=r&asid=2b16fa69ff21c52a38fbb9abe2d18f4a. Accessed 8 Mar. 2017.