Maniacs: the Spokesmen of Dissidents at Attar's Time

Wise maniacs were a group of people who seemed not to act or speak on the demand of social norms, religious scruples, and common sense. They kept aloof from people and often took ruins, cemeteries, and isolated areas as their whereabouts. According to Mohya-al-din Arabi, this behavior was brought about due to a devine inspiration and the revelation of Unseen to them. There seem, however, to be other factors accounting for such a character. This article investigates the social factors that shaped up the character of wise maniacs who were contemporary to Attar. Narrating certain events, the article also refers to the feeling of criticism and objection as the salient aspect of their social life.