Exploring the Balance Between Two Inconsistent Approaches in Attār’s Musibat-nāmeh: “Submission to Fate” or “Effort for Changing”

In Musibat-nāmeh, Attār of Nishapur takes a fatalistic approach, considering the destiny of man subject to the eternal will of God. He believes that ultimate salvation is beyond the control of human beings. However, he also emphasizes the value of human effort as a crucial factor in the spiritual journey (suluk), and describes the seeker's overwhelming struggle (salek) as an example of Sufi effort. This raises the question of how these seemingly inconsistent approaches can coexist within a thought system. Is the contrast between these two approaches an unresolved paradox, or can they be integrated? This research aims to investigate the relationship between the two seemingly contradictory approaches of submission and effort in Attār's Musibat-nāmeh by utilizing a descriptive-analytical method. The research's findings demonstrate that, according to Attār's thought, while human effort cannot alter one's destiny, it is nevertheless a necessary condition for its fulfillment. Attār posits that human effort serves to actualize the potential for perfection and happiness that has been predetermined in the eternal destiny of God. From this perspective, human effort proves fruitful as long as it is supported by a prior ability known as "talent" or "divine assistance."