Farid al-Din Attar

Farid al-Din Attar

Farid al-Din Attar (Persian: فریدالدین عطار‎, d. ca. 1220) was a renowned Persian mystic poet and Sufi scholar. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Persian literature and Islamic mysticism.

Etymology and Translation

• Etymology: His name Attar means “herbalist” or “pharmacist” in Persian, indicative of his profession before fully committing to poetry and Sufism.
• Arabic: فريدالدين عطار (Farid al-Din Attar)
• Turkish: Ferîdüddin Attâr

Early Life and Profession

Farid al-Din Attar was born in Nishapur, a pivotal cultural, and intellectual hub in medieval Persia. He initially worked as a pharmacist, deriving his pen name “Attar” from his profession. His experience deeply influenced his poetic metaphors concerning healing and soul purification.

Mystical Philosophy and Teachings

Attar’s works focus extensively on Sufi thought and mysticism, particularly the soul’s journey towards divine unity. He upheld the belief that a human’s ultimate goal is to achieve enlightenment and unity with the Universal Soul through self-annihilation (fana).

Major Works

Attar is best known for his epic poem “The Conference of the Birds” (منطق الطیر, Mantiq al-Tayr), an allegorical journey that illustrates diverse themes of spiritual emancipation. Other significant works include:

1. The Book of Suffering (Musibatnama)
2. The Book of Advices (Pandnama)
3. Tadhkirat al-Awliya’ (“Memoirs of the Saints”): A widely read Sufi hagiography that provides valuable insights into early Sufi saints, including the portrayal of the controversial martyr al-Hallaj (d. 922).

Influence and Legacy

Attar’s vivid storytelling, rich with anecdotes and didactic passages, serves as a significant source of Sufi wisdom. His portrayal of self-elimination and divine unity inspired subsequent Sufi poets, like Rumi.

Notable Themes:

• The soul’s progression toward divine perfection.
• The interconnection of the individual soul with the universal.
• Self-annihilation as a path to spiritual liberation.

Controversial Aspects

Several works attributed to Attar are of dubious authenticity. Scholars continue to debate which writings genuinely belong to him.

Suggested Books for Further Study

• The Conference of the Birds by Farid al-Din Attar, translated by Afkham Darbandi and Dick Davis.
• Attar and the Persian Sufi Tradition: The Art of Spiritual Flight by Leonard Lewisohn.
• The Mystics of Islam by Reynold A. Nicholson (includes mentions of Attar’s mysticism).

Takeaways and Conclusion

Farid al-Din Attar stands as a monumental figure in Islamic literature and Sufi mysticism. His writings offer a profound exploration of the human soul’s journey towards divine unity, adorned with rich metaphorical and allegorical traditions. Despite his tragic end, his works continue to inspire and guide seekers of mysticism and spirituality.

Attar’s legacy teaches us about the importance of self-purification and devotion on the mystical path, demonstrating the timeless wisdom within Sufi literature.