Overview

In this allegory from Farid al-Din Attar's Mosibat Nameh (Book of Affliction), a notable figure composes an elegant, rhymed sermon (saj') in praise of God's unity (towhid) and presents it to Sheikh Korkan, expecting praise for his literary craftsmanship.

Spiritual Critique of Ornate Form

Instead of praising him, Sheikh Korkan laments that the sermon is a product of an 'idle heart' (del-e bikaar) and a preoccupation with illusion (shoghl-e mashghulaan-e pendaar). He emphasizes that those whose hearts are truly alive with the love of religion have no concern for outer adornments, literary vanity, or intellectual showing-off.

Attar's Self-Admonition

Attar uses this tale to reflect on his own work, comparing the writing of his book (Mosibat Nameh) to the scholar's rhymed sermon. He views his poetic endeavors as a form of 'religious idleness' (hojjat-e bikaari-ye din), urging himself to quiet his ego (nafs) and seek silent, sincere spiritual devotio...