Concept

The Inadequacy of Intellect and Description in Attar's Mokhtar Nameh (Poem 4)

In Poem 4 of the Mokhtar Nameh, Farid al-Din Attar highlights the inherent limitations of human intellect ('aql) and language in describing the Divine. Attar asserts that any human attempt to define or praise God remains limited to the realm of mere human speech, unable to capture His true essence. Using the contrast between a blooming flower and a thorn-bush, the poet illustrates how even the most exquisite human descriptions are utterly insignificant in the ultimate valley of monotheism (Tawhid), emphasizing the transcendent and incomprehensible nature of God.

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Updated 2026-07-03

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Humanities

Literature

Persian Literature Prerequisite Course