الصورُ التشبيهية ذاتُ الأصلِ العربي في شعرِ أمير خسرو الدهلوي)دراسةٌ فنيّةٌ ودلاليّة(

ARABIC-ORIGIN SIMILES IN THE POETRY OF AMIR KHUSRO DEHLAVI: A STYLISTIC AND SEMANTIC STUDY

Abstract

This article explores the Arabic-origin similes embedded in the poetic works of Amir Khusro Dehlavi — a distinguished poet, linguist, and Sufi of medieval India. Known for his multilingual mastery, Khusro blended Persian, Arabic, and Hindavi elements in his poetry, creating a unique literary tapestry that reflected the cultural and spiritual pluralism of his time.

The study focuses on the stylistic forms and semantic significance of similes derived from Arabic sources, including references to the Qur’an, Hadith, and classical Arabic poetry. By presenting selected Persian couplets from Khusro’s divans, each accompanied by Arabic translation, a detailed analysis of the types of similes  e.g., explicit, implicit, or metaphoric  is offered.

The paper further discusses how these similes convey spiritual meanings, reflect Islamic philosophy, and exemplify the cultural interplay between Arabic and Indo-Persian literary traditions. Ultimately, the study highlights the technical finesse and theological depth of Khusro’s similes, underlining their role in enriching the Islamic poetic heritage in South Asia.