Enter the Mystic Realm of Farid al-Din Attar
📖 Comprehensive Definition and Meaning
Definition:
Farid al-Din Attar, often referred to simply as Attar, was a prominent Persian Sufi mystic and poet, known for his rich contributions to mystical literature. His works are renowned for their profound spiritual themes, exploring the journey of the soul towards divine perfection.
Etymology & Name:
- Farid al-Din: Meaning “Unique (or precious) of the Religion” in Arabic.
- Attar: A term meaning “perfumer” or “pharmacist” in Persian, indicating his vocational background.
🌏 Background and Historical Context
Life and Career:
- Attar, Farid al-Din is estimated to have lived from around 1145 to 1220 CE.
- Born in Nishapur, Persia (modern-day Iran).
- Worked as a pharmacist and herbalist, underlined by his pen name ‘Attar’ (the perfumer).
Historical Context:
- Flourished during the Seljuk era, a time marked by significant cultural and intellectual prosperity in the Persian-speaking world.
- Said to have died during the Mongol invasion, an era marked by disruptions and profound changes across the Islamic world.
📜 Notable Works and Literary Contributions
Key Works:
- The Conference of the Birds (منطق الطیر, Mantiq al-Tayr): An allegorical epic poem where birds of the world, led by the hoopoe, embark on a journey to find their king, the Simurgh, only to discover themselves.
- Tadhkirat al-Awliya (تذکرة الاولیا, The Memorial of the Saints): A hagiographical collection detailing the lives of influential Sufi saints, including the controversial figure al-Hallaj.
Stylistic Elements:
- Employs vibrant imagery, compelling anecdotes, and spiritual allegory.
- Advocates the idea of “self-annihilation” (fana) in pursuit of unity with the universal soul.
🌏 Cultural Differences and Similarities
Comparisons in Literature:
- Similarities: Mystical literature across various cultures often shares themes of spiritual journeys and the quest for divine union (e.g., Dante’s Divine Comedy, Rumi’s Masnavi).
- Differences: The particular cultural, religious, and linguistic contexts deeply influence the specific allegories and motifs.
Sufi Influence:
- Influential across the Muslim world, particularly in Iran, Afghanistan, and parts of the Indian subcontinent.
- Revered within major Sufi tariqas (orders) like the Naqshbandi and Chishti orders.
💫 Related Terms
- Sufism: Islamic mysticism focused on divine love and the inward search for God.
- Simurgh: A mythical bird in Persian literature, often symbolizing divine perfection or the union of the soul with God.
- Al-Hallaj: A Sufi mystic executed for heresy, famous for his claim, “I am the Truth” (Ana al-Haqq), representing mystical union with God.
📖 Exciting Facts
- Inspiration: Attar’s work influenced later illustrious poets like Rumi and Hafez.
- Legacy: The term “attar” still persists today, referring to perfumers and apothecaries.
💬 Quotations
-
Attar on the Soul’s Journey:
“In the end, they saw in them the face of Simurgh, and then all that was and was not went rushing forth in one stream of ecstasy.”
-
Rumi on Attar:
“Attar has traversed the seven cities of Love. We are still at the turn of one street."
🧐 Suggested Literature for Further Study
- “Conference of the Birds” Translated by Afkham Darbandi and Dick Davis - A nuanced English rendition of Attar’s magnum opus.
- “Tadhkirat al-Awliya” Translated by A.J. Arberry - Insightful look at the lives of Sufi saints.
- “Persian Sufi Poetry: An Anthology” Edited by J.T.P. De Bruijn - Explores the broader canvas of Persian Sufi poetry including Attar’s contributions.
- Articles by Annemarie Schimmel - Particularly her works on Persian mysticism and poetry.
🧩 Engage with Farid al-Din Attar’s Wisdom
### Who was Farid al-Din Attar?
- [x] A Persian mystic poet and pharmacist.
- [ ] A medieval Sufi warrior.
- [ ] An Arabian mathematician.
- [ ] An Ottoman chronicler.
> **Explanation:** Farid al-Din Attar was a mystical poet and pharmacist from Nishapur, Persia, known for his captivating spiritual writings.
### What is the key theme in "The Conference of the Birds"?
- [x] The journey of the soul towards divine love and perfection.
- [ ] The economic strategies of ancient Persia.
- [ ] The historical events of the Mongol invasion.
- [ ] The medicinal properties of Persian herbs.
> **Explanation:** "The Conference of the Birds" narrates the allegorical journey of birds searching for their king, symbolizing the soul's quest for divine perfection.
### Which Sufi saint's life did Attar notably include in "Tadhkirat al-Awliya"?
- [x] Al-Hallaj.
- [ ] Abu Hanifa.
- [ ] Al-Biruni.
- [ ] Ibn Battuta.
> **Explanation:** Attar depicted the controversial Sufi mystic al-Hallaj, known for his mystical proclamations, in "Tadhkirat al-Awliya."
### During which period did Farid al-Din Attar live?
- [x] During the Seljuk era.
- [ ] During the Abbasid era.
- [ ] During the Umayyad era.
- [ ] During the Fatimid era.
> **Explanation:** Attar lived during the culturally rich Seljuk era, a period renowned for its contributions to arts and literature in the Islamic world.
### What does "farid" mean in Arabic?
- [x] Unique or precious.
- [ ] Wise.
- [ ] Compassionate.
- [ ] Humble.
> **Explanation:** The name "Farid" in Arabic means "unique" or "precious," aptly suffixed as Farid al-Din, implying his singular devotion and contribution to religion and mysticism.
### Which bird leads the journey in "The Conference of the Birds"?
- [x] The hoopoe.
- [ ] The nightingale.
- [ ] The eagle.
- [ ] The dove.
> **Explanation:** In "The Conference of the Birds," the hoopoe leads the birds in their quest to find the Simurgh, symbolizing spiritual guidance.
### What discovery do the birds make at the end of their journey in "The Conference of the Birds"?
- [x] They discover that the Simurgh is a reflection of themselves.
- [ ] They find the Simurgh in a hidden valley.
- [ ] They uncover a secret cave filled with treasures.
- [ ] They realize their journey was a dream.
> **Explanation:** At the end of their journey, the birds find that the Simurgh is a reflection of themselves, symbolizing the unity of self with the divine.
### Which later poet was significantly influenced by Attar’s work?
- [x] Rumi.
- [ ] Khayyam.
- [ ] Saadi.
- [ ] Ferdowsi.
> **Explanation:** The great Sufi mystic poet Rumi was significantly influenced by Attar’s spiritual and poetic works.
A Thought-Provoking Farewell from The Author
May Attar’s words inspire every soul to seek its own divine journey, just as the hoopoe guides the birds on their celestial quest. The poetry and mysticism of Farid al-Din Attar serves not only as historical artifacts but as living pathways to inner enlightenment and eternal wisdom.
Amina Al-Fahad, 2023-10-04
