The Conference of the Birds - Paperback

A timeless masterpiece of Sufi mysticism—Farid ud-Din Attar's allegorical epic of the soul's journey to union with the Divine, told through the enchanting tale of birds seeking their king.

Written in 12th-century Persia, The Conference of the Birds is one of the supreme works of Islamic mystical literature. Through the story of thousands of birds embarking on a perilous journey to find the legendary Simorgh, their king, Attar weaves a profound allegory of the spiritual path—a journey through seven valleys of seeking, love, knowledge, detachment, unity, bewilderment, and finally, annihilation in God.

What you'll discover:

• The allegorical journey through seven valleys of spiritual transformation
• Hundreds of teaching stories, parables, and anecdotes from Sufi tradition
• The hoopoe bird as spiritual guide leading seekers to the Divine
• Profound insights into the nature of the ego and the path of fana (annihilation in God)
• The stunning revelation at the journey's end—discovering the Divine within
• Attar's luminous poetry blending wisdom, humor, and mystical vision
• Timeless teachings on love, surrender, and the transformation of the soul

Attar's genius lies in his ability to make the most profound mystical truths accessible through vivid storytelling and poetic beauty. Each bird represents a different human failing or spiritual obstacle—the nightingale attached to earthly love, the parrot seeking immortality, the peacock mourning lost paradise. Through their conversations and the hoopoe's guidance, we witness the soul's struggle to transcend ego and merge with the Beloved.

The climactic revelation—that the thirty birds (si morgh in Persian) who complete the journey discover they themselves are the Simorgh—expresses the central Sufi teaching that the seeker and the Sought are ultimately one. This is a book that has inspired mystics, poets, and seekers across traditions for eight centuries.

About the author: Farid ud-Din Attar (c. 1145-1221) was a Persian poet, mystic, and hagiographer. One of the greatest Sufi poets, he profoundly influenced Rumi and the entire tradition of Persian mystical literature. His works include The Conference of the Birds, The Book of God, and Memorial of the Saints.

Perfect for: Students of Sufism and Islamic mysticism, readers of Rumi and Persian poetry, those interested in mystical allegory and spiritual journey narratives, seekers exploring the path of divine love and annihilation in God, scholars of comparative mysticism, and anyone drawn to the beauty and wisdom of Sufi literature.

This paperback edition presents Attar's timeless masterpiece—a poetic journey to the heart of Sufi mystical teaching.