The Allegory of Luqman and the Virtue of Silence

In Section 14 of Attar's Mosibat Nameh, the legendary sage Luqman advises his son on the value of silence. Despite his renowned wisdom, Luqman confesses that he has often regretted speaking too much, but has never felt regret or sorrow from keeping silent.

Key Themes:

• The Pitfalls of Excess Speech: Even the wisest individuals are susceptible to the errors of speaking too much, highlighting that speech is difficult to master perfectly.
• The Safety of Silence: Silence serves as a safeguard against regret and psychological distress.
• Mystical Discipline: In Sufi philosophy, silence (shamt) is considered a fundamental practice for guarding the heart and progressing on the spiritual path.