Concept

The Allegory of the Table of Generosity and Divine Grace in Asrar Nameh

In Fariduddin Attar's Asrar Nameh (The Book of Secrets), the tale of the man circumambulating graves serves as an allegory for the universal and unconditional nature of divine grace. A celestial voice instructs the man to cease his external seeking—worshipping the graves of holy men—and instead embrace his own profound helplessness (bichargi). He is invited to the 'table of generosity' (khwan-i karam), where the doorkeeper has been deliberately removed so that both the sinless and the sinners have equal access to the Sultan's presence. This narrative illustrates the Sufi teaching that true spiritual elevation relies not on personal merit or external rituals, but on recognizing one's absolute dependence on God's infinite mercy and boundless hospitality.

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Updated 2026-07-03

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Humanities

Literature

Persian Literature Prerequisite Course