Farid ud-din Attar - Icon Profile | Alexandria
Farid ud-din Attar (c. 1145-1221 CE), known as the "perfumer of souls," stands as one of Persian literature's most influential mystical poets and Sufi theorists. Born in Nishapur, in modern-day Iran, his name "Attar" derives from his profession as a pharmacist and perfumer, though this mundane occupation belied his profound spiritual impact on Islamic mystical thought and world literature.
The earliest reliable accounts of Attar's life emerge from 13th-century biographical works, though separating historical fact from hagiographical embellishment remains challenging. He lived during the tumultuous period of the Seljuk Empire's decline, witnessing political upheaval that would culminate in the Mongol invasions. This historical context deeply influenced his worldview, as reflected in his masterwork "The Conference of the Birds" (Mantiq ut-Tair), an allegorical epic describing birds' perilous journey to find their king, the Simurgh.
Attar's literary corpus, comprising both prose and poetry, represents a crucial bridge between early Sufi writings and the later flowering of Persian mystical literature. His work profoundly influenced later poets, most notably Rumi, who acknowledged Attar as his spiritual predecessor. The authenticity of many works attributed to him remains debated, with scholars generally accepting about 12 works as genuine from the nearly 100 attributed to his name. His major authentic works include "The Book of Secrets" (Asrar-nama), "The Divine Book" (Ilahi-nama), and "The Memorial of the Saints" (Tadhkirat al-Awliya), which preserves valuable accounts of early Sufi masters.
Attar's legacy extends far beyond medieval Persia, influencing Western literature and contemporary spiritual movements. His death, allegedly at the hands of Mongol invaders, has become symbolic of the clash between spiritual wisdom and worldly power. Modern readers continue to find relevance in his exploration of the soul's journey toward divine truth, while scholars grapple with questions about his life and work. Was Attar truly the mystical sage portrayed in tradition, or does his biography, like his birds' journey, conceal deeper truths about the human quest for meaning?