Cognitive Textual Analysis of the Masnavi Makhzan al Muttaqin: Mystical Poetic Commentary on Imam Ali’s Sermon of the Pious Composed by Ahmad Jan Khan Baralkadi

The masnavi Makhzan al Muttaqin, composed by AhmadJanKhan Baralkadi, is a lesser known work of Persian didactic–mystical literature centered on a poetic exposition of the Sermon of the Pious (Khutbat alMuttaqin) attributed to Imam Ali (peace be upon him). Despite its literary and intellectual significance, the work has not yet been the subject of an independent scholarly study, and existing references are mostly limited to brief bibliographical notices. This study employs a descriptive–analytical approach based on textual analysis to examine the structure of the poem, the poet’s method of commentary, the role of the Qur’an and Hadith in shaping the text, its mystical and didactic themes, and the principal rhetorical devices used in the work. The findings show that Makhzan al Muttaqin follows a relatively systematic pattern in explaining the sermon. The poet first quotes passages from the original Arabic text, then presents their Persian translation, and finally offers a poetic commentary that interprets their ethical and mystical meanings. Qur’anic verses and Prophetic and Alid traditions play a central role in forming the semantic framework of the poem and provide a hadith based interpretive foundation for the commentary. In addition, the use of anecdotes, allegories, and rhetorical devices enables the poet to convey abstract concepts such as piety, spiritual wayfaring, sincerity, and divine love in an artistic and influential manner. The text also reflects aspects of the cultural and social context of early fourteenth century Afghanistan, placing the work at the intersection of religious commentary, didactic literature, and Islamic mysticism.