The arrogance of the insane before God: An analysis of Attar's philosophy (origins and motivations)

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Persian literature group، Faculty of Literature and Humanities، University of Isfahan، Isfahan، Iran.

10.29252/kavosh.2023.18916.3301

Abstract

While the theme of the impudence of individuals deemed insane in the presence of the divine has been explored by various authors prior to Attar, it is within his works that this concept is particularly emphasized. Attar dealt with the arrogance of these individuals, their unanswered inquiries, and their resistance to the destined order of creation, which persistently preoccupied his mind. From an intellectual viewpoint, this preoccupation can be attributed to his verbal disposition, while, from a socio-political perspective, it is influenced by the uprisings, tumults, and events that transpired during his formative years, resulting in the loss of numerous lives. Although this theme is discernible in the works of poets and writers preceding Attar, it is notably conspicuous in his poetry. Had these sentiments not been articulated by the individuals deemed insane or anyone other than Sufis, they would undoubtedly have been deemed blasphemous, akin to the way Khayyam was branded as a heretic with regard to certain quatrains. This study, conducted through documentation, library research and content analysis, seeks to address a few questions. Firstly, what were the reasons for the emergence of such a disposition in Attar's mind and philosophy? Secondly, would the Sufis have condemned these sentiments if they had been expressed by someone other than Attar, even if they were voiced by individuals deemed insane? As concluded, these were the internal concerns and contemplations of Attar, which he chose to convey through the words of individuals deemed insane as a means of unburdening his conscience and avoiding direct condemnation of others.

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References

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Articles
Hosseinabadi, M., & Elhambakhsh, S. M. (2007). Maniacs: the Spokesmen of Dissidents at Attar’s Time. Journal of Kavoshnameh in Persian Language and Literature, 7(13), 71-100. doi: 10.29252/kavosh.2007.2357 [in Persian]
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