Sufi Classics · July 8, 2026

lezzât-ı dünyâ (Pleasures of the World)

The lezzât-ı dunyâ (pleasures of the world) are three: loving a friend; befriending a generous sultan; and beneficial and mutually beneficial companionship. Lezzet/lezzet-i ʿaqliyya (intellectual pleasure): Lezzet …

The lezzât-ı dunyâ (pleasures of the world) are three: loving a friend; befriending a generous sultan; and beneficial and mutually beneficial companionship.

Lezzet/lezzet-i ʿaqliyya (intellectual pleasure): Lezzet (pleasure, taste) is to perceive and to attain that which is present in the thing perceived. For example, a good deed can be cited as an example of this. (Ishārāt, IV, 11)

The relation (nisba) of one pleasure to another is like the relation of the perceived to the perceiver, and of perception to perception. The relation of lezzet-i ʿaqliyya (intellectual pleasure) to the pleasure of shahwa (sensual desire) is a primary relation.

From sinden (digestion) and the pleasure that follows it up to the attainment of sweetness, the relation is truly clear. The relation between two perceptions is also like this. (Ishārāt, IV, 25)

Pleasure consists in perceiving that which is desired and craved. Shahwa (sensual desire), being common to all living beings, is the arousal of the nafs (the lower self) to attain that which is desired, whether intellectually and physically in some beings, or only physically in others. (Mīzān, 92)