Wisdom and the Tale of Chivalry: An essay on Futuwwah in Iranian Culture and Islamic Mysticism (حکمت و حکایت جوانمردی: نگاهی به آیین فتوت در فرهنگ ایرانی و عرفان اسلامی), Tehran, International Publishing, 2023.
Wisdom and the Tale of Chivalry explores the theme of futuwwah (chivalry and spiritual manliness) in Iranian-Islamic culture and its connection with Sufism. The ethics and spirituality of chivalry, along with its core principles and elements, are thoroughly analyzed, and suggestions are offered for reviving this tradition in the modern era. The book discusses various aspects including the conceptual analysis and roots of javanmardi (chivalry), its historical sources, the history of futuwwah, its role in Islamic mysticism, its presence in Persian poetry and literature, its manifestation in the contemporary era, and strategies for reconstruction and revival of this noble tradition.
A passage from the book reads: “This writing is born of love and hope—love for the exalted culture of ethics and spirituality embodied in javanmardi, which has been a firm pillar of our glorious cultural and historical heritage; and hope that we can revive, reform, and expand this noble tradition, and witness the present and future generations turning toward it.”