This allegory from Attar's Mosibat-Nameh describes Malik Dinar's constant nocturnal wakefulness and daily devotion. When his daughter asks him why he refuses to sleep, Malik Dinar explains that he fears a spiritual 'night attack' (shabikhun or sudden death/spiritual failure). The tale emphasizes the Sufi concept of constant spiritual vigilance (yaqzah or wakefulness) and the fear of falling into heedlessness (ghaflah).