Mantiq Al-Tayr/منطق الطیر

**Mantiq al-Tayr**, also known as **The Conference of the Birds**, is a masterpiece of Persian literature written by the Sufi poet **Farid al-Din Attar** around 1177. It is an allegorical and mystical narrative that explores deep spiritual themes, primarily the quest for enlightenment and the nature of divine truth. The poem, composed of 4,500 lines, is divided into several sections, combining poetic storytelling with profound philosophical ideas.

At the heart of the poem is a journey undertaken by a group of birds, led by the wise **hoopoe**, to find their sovereign, the mythical **Simurgh**. The Simurgh is often depicted as a benevolent, mystical bird in Persian mythology, and in the context of this poem, it symbolizes the ultimate spiritual truth or divine presence. The birds’ journey is not merely physical but is, in essence, a metaphor for the Sufi path toward self-discovery and union with the divine.

The Birds’ Quest

In the poem, the birds represent different human qualities, flaws, and virtues. Each bird embodies a specific aspect of human nature, from arrogance to humility, and they reflect the challenges that individuals face on their journey to spiritual awakening. Initially, the birds are hesitant and fearful, unsure of the nature of the Simurgh and what the journey entails. But under the leadership of the hoopoe, they embark on their perilous adventure. The hoopoe, as the spiritual guide, explains that the quest to find the Simurgh is a path of transformation and requires deep devotion, sacrifice, and inner purification.