The Account of Zangī-e Baskardī and Two Letters of Authorization and Recommendation by Najm al-Dīn Kubrā on His Behalf
Document Type : pajoohesh
Author
10.22081/jap.2025.77754
Abstract
Among the disciples of the Ṣūfī circle of Najm al-Dīn Kubrā (d. 618/1221) was an individual named Zangī-e Baskardī. The earliest mention of him appears in a narrative by ‛Alāʾ al-Dawla Simnānī (d. 736/1336), in which Zangī is depicted confronting Majd al-Dīn Baghdādī (d. 606/1210), striking him in the face during a session of samāʿ (ecstatic listening). This anecdote reveals the deep contrasts among disciples and suggests underlying subconscious animosities. Beyond this account, little is known about Zangī-e Baskardī except for two documents—a letter of authorization and a letter of recommendation—issued by Najm al-Dīn Kubrā, both preserved in one of the earliest manuscripts of Kubrawiyya writings. This article presents an edited version of these texts. The letter of authorization demonstrates Zangī’s spiritual status in Kubrā’s view and grants him permission to train disciples. In the recommendation, Kubrā advises the people of Juvayn to allow Zangī into their khānqāhs (Ṣūfī lodges) so that he may serve as one of their attendants.
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