The Stages of Annihilation (Fana) in Attar of Nishapur's Musibatnameh

sadeghi shahpar, reza; ,; ,

Volume 13, Issue 52 (12-2022) عرفانیات در ادب فارسی 2022, 13(52): 38-51 | Back to browse issues page

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sadeghi shahpar R. The Stages of Annihilation (Fana) in Attar of Nishapur's Musibatnameh. عرفانیات در ادب فارسی 2022; 13 (52) : 2
URL: http://erfaniyat.iauh.ac.ir/article-1-712-en.html

The Stages of Annihilation (Fana) in Attar of Nishapur's Musibatnameh

Reza Sadeghi shahpar¹

1- , r.s.shahpar@gmail.com

Abstract: (26 Views)

This research provides a structural and content analysis of selected narratives from Attar of Nishapur's Musibatnameh (The Book of Affliction), focusing on the manifestation of the spiritual station (maqam) of "annihilation" (fana) within the forty-stage mystical journey. Employing a descriptive-analytical method and drawing upon the critical edition by Dr. Mohammad-Reza Shafiei-Kadkani, it demonstrates that Attar portrays the concept of fana not as an abstract notion, but through symbolic narratives and as a phased process of the "voluntary death" of the ego. The findings indicate that the journey of annihilation in the Musibatnameh begins with annihilation in nature, deepens through annihilation in intellect and annihilation in will, and culminates, under the light of divine love and with the guidance of the spiritual master (pir), in annihilation in the Divine Essence (fana fi al-Dhat). This pinnacle is manifested in verses such as "Having become utterly annihilated and effaced" and "Having exited both the world and from the world itself." Through detailed interpretation of key verses from each narrative, the article elucidates Attar's theory of the spiritual path as a transition from the multiplicity of the ego to the unity of existence.

Article number: 2

Keywords: Attar of Nishapur, Musibatnameh (The Book of Affliction), Station of Annihilation (Fana), Mystical Love, Spiritual Guide (Pir-e Tariqat).

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Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2026/03/12 | Accepted: 2026/03/12 | Published: 2026/03/12