Overview

In Chapter 35, Poem 4 of the Mokhtar Nameh, Attar of Nishapur introduces the mystical concept of 'the heresy of the sun' (بدعت خورشید). This concept illustrates the spiritual understanding that the physical sun, despite its immense brilliance, is merely a secondary and derivative reflector of the supreme Divine light radiating from the Beloved's countenance.

Core Themes

• The Derivative Nature of Physical Light: The poem depicts the physical sun as a humble tenant taking up residence in the Beloved's alley, acquiring only a single 'perfect speck' of light from the Beloved's face.
• The Heresy of the Physical Sun: The speaker's heart grows distressed or weary at the physical sun. From a mystical perspective, attributing independent light and beauty to the physical sun is a form of spiritual deviation or 'heresy' (bid'at) when compared to the absolute source of Divine illumination.