A study of the consept of death in Attar,s works

Death has been among the mysterious phenomena of human life since the Creation. Human has always tried to know and to make it known since he has always confronted the phenomenon and has been afraid of it. To take into consideration this common humankind concern، we will examine Attar of Nishapur’s perspective on death– the prominent mystic of sixth century AH. Applications of the word ‘death’ and its synonyms in Attaar''s works shows that he has a multilateral understanding of it and he has never limited it''s meaning; rather، according to a given context، he has utilized one of its meanings and aspects. Thus، by extending the meaning of the death، he designated two kinds of it: Natural death and voluntary death (mystical، romantic). The latter is the most outstanding perception of death in Attaar، that in the face of which not only body and soul، but also the heaven is degraded and seen as obscuring the truth. On the other hand، he understands death as universal and equal for all living beings، as overcoming and dominating humanity، as a huge obstacle and an inevitable fate that stands against the infinite desires of human beings. Therefore،، the human beings not only can''t design or work out a plan or find a solution in the face of it، but has no knowledge about this overwhelming event، hence، the only way to treat the pain is submission and silence. On the other hand، this world is a caravansary and the man is a passenger sojourning in it for a short while، and then leaves it. Then، man must stay alert and be ready for the caravan''s bell is sounded.