Farīd al-Dīn ʻAṭṭār

Farid Al-Din Attar

Farid Al-Din Attar was one of old Persias greatest poets. He appears to have died between a.d. 1220 and 1230. Of the very numerous epics and idylls ascribed to Attar perhaps nine may be recognized as authentic. Of these the most famous is the Manteq Altair, a subtle and charming allegory of the soulʹs progress towards God. This books is a collection of biographies of Sufis, Mystics and Muslims saints.

Episodes from the Tadhkirat Al-Auliya' ('Memorial of the Saints')

Muslim Saints and Mystics

I grandi temi del libro sono il disperato e infuocato amore terreno, ombra dell'amore di Dio; il dolore, che ci rivela l'Altissimo; il peccato che attira la grazia; la bellezza sovrana del mondo, multiforme e molteplice volto di Dio.

Il poema celeste

Stories within stories provide an allegory of the soul's search for union with God

The Conference of the Birds

First written in the 12th century, Conference of the Birds is an allegory of extreme measures for extreme times -- the story of birds seeking a king is the story of all of us seeking God. Like the birds, we may be excited for the journey, until we realize that we must give up our fears and hollow desires, that our journey will be long and hard. Like the duck, we may not wish to leave the water. Like the nightingale, we may want to stay close to our roses. Direct and to the point, Masani's translation, made in the early part of the 19th century, is particularly apropos for our early 21st century times -- both are periods of intense spiritual seeking.

A Seeker's Journey to God

Conference of the Birds

The 13th century Sufi poet Farid al-Din Attar is renowned as an author of short lyrics written in the Persian language. Dealing with themes of love, passion and mysticism, this book presents the English versions of Attar's poetry. It also offers an analysis of Attar's poetic language and thought.

Farid Al-Din Attar

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