Concept

In the Fifth Discourse of Attar's Elahi Nameh, the father responds to his second son's desire to learn magic by harshly condemning it as a demonic pursuit. He frames the desire for magical power not as a noble ambition, but as a symptom of spiritual corruption and succumbing to Satanic influence.

Key Themes

• Magic as Demonic Deception: The father asserts that the son's interest in magic is the direct result of being overcome by a demon. Seeking worldly power and control through magic is explicitly equated with Devil-worship.
• Spiritual Sincerity vs. Egotistical Ambition: The father contrasts the pursuit of magical abilities with genuine spiritual devotion. He warns that neglecting God for the sake of demonic arts leads to spiritual ruin, emphasizing that true religious practice requires sincerity and humility rather than the egotistical desire for supernatural dominion.