In Attar's Elahi Nameh, 'The Tale of Hallaj with His Son' conveys a fundamental Sufi psychological principle regarding the lower self (nafs). Hallaj advises his son to constantly keep the nafs occupied with spiritual or righteous tasks; otherwise, it will distract the seeker with unworthy and harmful pursuits. Attar metaphorically compares the nafs to a hungry dog that, if satiated, transforms into a dangerous, rebellious lion, and to a tongue that, when idle, engages in destructive backbiting. This allegory illustrates the necessity of continuous vigilance, discipline, and productive effort in controlling one's ego on the spiritual path.