About Attars

This site is named after Attar, a Persian (Iranian) poet, mystic, and philosopher who practiced herbal medicine. He was also known as Abu Hamid Farid ud-Din of Nishapur (1145–1221) or simply Farīd ud-Dīn (فریدالدین).

Farid ud-Din was called Attar because he practiced what in English is known as apothecary—a person who prepares and formulates medicinal remedies, often in a shop resembling a small grocery store. Attar followed the ancient tradition of herbal medicine passed down from his father and grandfather.

In Farsi (Persian), such places were traditionally referred to as “Attari.” Even in modern Iran, people still use this term for small neighborhood grocery stores that sell everything from herbs to perfumes, scented soaps, candles, oils, nuts, facial creams, and candies. These shops are often community-centered, where the owner knows the neighbors, and workers sometimes deliver items to nearby clients.

Attar’s Spiritual Journey

Attar was not only a herbal medicine practitioner but also deeply committed to understanding spirituality and achieving human perfection. He lived during the tumultuous Mongol era, a time of violence that was rare in Iran. These events prompted him to search for the meaning of life.

Attar traveled extensively to many countries but eventually returned to his hometown of Nishapur. His death is both tragic and symbolic of his humility. According to the story, he was captured by a Mongol soldier. As the soldier was dragging to kill him, a wealthy merchant intervened and demanded to let the old man go. The soldier asked, how much would you pay, i let him go? The man offered a large ransom for Attar's life. Attar reportedly said, “I am worth much more than that.”

The greedy soldier sought higher offers from others. Each time someone made an offer, Attar responded, “I am worth much more than that.” Finally, a poor peasant with a donkey and a load of hay intervened, saying to the soldier, “Why are you pulling this old man? Let him go.” The soldier asked, “What will you give me if I let him go?” The peasant offered his bundle of hay. Attar immediately declared, “That is exactly how much I am worth.”

The Mongol soldier, enraged, killed Attar on the spot.

This tragic story illustrates Attar’s deep humility—a defining trait of those who have reached the highest level of Sufi mysticism, marked by the annihilation of one’s ego.

Influence on Rumi

Attar deeply influenced Rumi, another famous Persian poet and mystic. When Rumi was 12, he visited Attar with his father. This meeting had a profound impact on him, and Rumi later said:

"Attar roamed through the seven cities of love,
While we have barely turned on the first street."

Attar’s Literary Contributions

Although much of Attar’s work has been lost, he left behind over 40,000 lines of poetry, including:

-Masnavi: Persian poetic verses, often inspired by the Quran, common among Sufi scholars.

-Asrarnameh: Mystical stories, meaning "The Book of Secrets" in Farsi.

-Elahi Nameh: Literally meaning "Letters to God" or "The Divine Book."

The Seven Valleys

Attar believed that to reach the highest level of spiritual and human perfection, one must pass through seven valleys, each representing a stage of life:

1. Desire and Quest (جستجو و طلب): A stage of endless curiosity to understand life, requiring a pure heart and perseverance.

2. Love (عشق): A stage where the soul is consumed by love.

3. Knowledge (معرفت): The pursuit of deep understanding.

4. Independence (استغنا): Detachment from material and worldly desires.

5. Unity (توحید): Realization of the oneness of existence.

6. Bewilderment (حیرت): A state of awe and spiritual confusion.

7. Self-Obliteration (فنا): The ultimate stage, where the ego is annihilated, and the soul becomes one with the divine.

Attar described the Valley of Quest as the hardest and longest to pass. It requires questioning all beliefs and purifying the heart. He wrote:

"When you descend into the valley of quest,
A hundred difficulties will assail you in that empire;
Here for years you must endeavor, you must try,
Because in this field, elements inverted lie."

In his Masnavi, Rumi also emphasized the importance of questing for perfection as a prerequisite for spiritual growth.

Some scholars at Tarbiat Modares University have suggested that the seven valleys of love can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the waves of human development, presenting a unique perspective on the future.

Further Reading

To learn more about Attar’s seven valleys, click the link below:
Seven Valleys of Love – Full PDF

Ashraf Girgis
MSN, SC&T, ND

Dr. Ashraf Girgis is a doctor of naturopathic medicine and a certified stress management consultant and therapist. She received her BSN in Iran and continued her education by specializing in intensive care in Switzerland. She obtained her doctorate in naturopathic medicine in the United States. She is also a member of the American Institute of Healthcare Professionals and a board member for the Scleroderma Foundation Michigan chapter. She has worked as a stress management consultant and naturopathic doctor in both Maryland and Michigan. Ashraf gives talks and seminars about stress management, autoimmune diseases and aging.

 She has also published many articles on various subjects, from food to herbs and lifestyles on different websites. She has published CDs for Guided Imagery, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, and Autogenic Training.

Ashraf has published three books: “The Holistic Approach to Stress “  “Path to Love” (a poetry book) and “ A Holistic Approach To Autoimmune Diseases”.

 Currently Ashraf’s is focused on writing articles and giving talks on various subjects regarding stress, aging, autoimmune diseases and herbal and nutritional remedies and approaches for a healthy living.