In Fariduddin Attar's Mantiq al-Tayr (The Conference of the Birds), the story of the madman and the ungrateful master serves as an allegory critiquing arrogance, materialism, and superficial piety. The narrative depicts a wealthy, arrogant master who prays for God's mercy and favor while simultaneously flaunting his opulent palace, golden walls, and numerous servants. A passing madman overhears the prayer and fiercely rebukes him, arguing that divine mercy cannot reside in a heart filled with pride and worldly attachment. The madman asserts that true worthiness of God's grace requires absolute humility, detachment from material wealth, and a recognition of one's complete spiritual poverty. This contrasts the master's hypocritical supplication with the genuine devotion required on the Sufi path.