Words That Fall Upon the Heart from Fariduddin Attar
The wisdoms of Fariduddin Attar are a selection of short sayings that touch upon the human heart, character, and inner discipline. Although each saying may appear as a simple note on its own, behind it lie fundamental matters such as the discipline of the nafs (the lower self), awareness of mortality, knowledge, adab (proper conduct), and maturity of the qalb (the heart).
01
“The bird only understands the value of its wing after it has been burned; you too, in your blindness, do not see the path, nor do you notice the well. Rise and ask Allah (God) for an eye that sees. Otherwise, they will deliver you from blindness in your grave, and only then will you understand the matter…”
02
“Count those who worship the world in order to live among the dead as well.”
03
“Tawakkul (reliance upon God)—at first occurrence, with transliteration and brief explanation—is to purify the moment from the murkiness of waiting by not grieving over the past nor coveting the future.”
04
“The earth is on the ox. The ox is on the fish, and the fish is above the air! What is the air upon? Only upon nothingness!”
05
“You were raised for death. You were brought to this world in order to be taken away.”
06
“The stature of understanding shortens when it comes to expressing. For the tongue is always insufficient in translating the heart.”
07
“If you desire salvation, know how to be silent. The qalb (the heart) in the chest of one who speaks much is diseased.”
08
“Every day they immerse me in water, and then they say: ‘Be careful not to get wet…’”
09
“You speak words like Abraham, but why do you act in the manner of Nimrod?”
10
“Since I was created, my sustenance has always come to reach me. For this reason, I have neither greed nor covetousness left in me.”
11
“The qalb (the heart) of one who gives their heart to that which is not everlasting is not truly alive…”
12
“O Lord, cast a glance upon this bleeding heart of mine. Draw me out from among all these troubles, sorrows, and calamities, and grant my heart peace and relief.”
13
“The most striking feature of those who cannot see their own faults is that they are constantly seeking faults in others.”
14
“Love is the essence of the universe, yet love without suffering is not perfect love.”
15
“Whoever opens their eyes solely to see their own faults will see that their ruh (the spirit) has found a new life.”
16
“A person’s share is only as much as their imagination.”
17
“While you watch the world and what is in it in bewilderment, your short life is consumed. When will you apply medicine to your wound?”
18
“The world cannot enrich one who has no share of contentment.”
19
“A poet must have the thought of Jesus for his word. If he is to give birth, he must be a virgin like Mary.”