In this allegory from Attar's Conference of the Birds (Mantiq al-Tayr), Sheikh Abu Sa'id of Mihna uses an interaction in a bathhouse to teach a profound spiritual lesson about javanmardi (spiritual chivalry or generosity). When the bath-attendant scrubs the dirt (shukh, which can also symbolize faults or sins) from the Sheikh's skin and gathers it in front of him, the Sheikh asks him to define chivalry. The Sheikh then explains that true chivalry is hiding the dirt—metaphorically representing the faults, sins, and shortcomings of others—rather than exposing them before their eyes. The parable emphasizes the Sufi virtues of humility, forgiveness, and concealing the flaws of fellow human beings.