The Relationship between Religion and Power in Rumi’s Maktubat with Emphasis on Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice (Case Study of Eight Letters)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Candidate, Department of Persian Language and Literature, ka. C,. Islamic Azad University, Karaj .Iran.

2 Asistant Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, ka. C,. Islamic Azad University, Karaj .Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, ka. C,. Islamic Azad University, Karaj .Iran

10.22054/msil.2026.92021.1244
Abstract
P In his thought, social action emerges from the interaction between social structures and the internalized dispositions of actors, while symbolic capital plays a significant role in the formation and reproduction of power relations. This perspective makes it possible to analyze domains such as religion as a social field with its own internal logic. Rumi’s Maktubat (Letters) is among the most important prose works of Persian mystical literature and consists of Rumi’s correspondence with princes and political authorities of his time. In addition to ethical and mystical themes, these letters reflect a particular interaction between a religious actor and the field of political power. In these writings, Rumi employs religious and ethical language to advise and guide rulers; at times he also intercedes on behalf of his disciples and those in need, requesting material or institutional support from those in power.The aim of this study is to explain the relationship between religion and power in Rumi’s Maktubat based on Bourdieu’s theory of practice. This research adopts a qualitative method with a descriptive–analytical approach and is based on textual analysis of selected samples from the Maktubat. The findings indicate that Rumi, relying on his mystical habitus and the symbolic capital derived from his spiritual authority, also plays a role within the field of political power. His letters create a space for the conversion of symbolic capital into social and institutional capital, ultimately leading to a form of mutual legitimation between the religious field and the field of political power.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 29 August 2026