Attar, a star on the spiritual horizon of the East, was born and lived in Nishapur (Iran). He was initiated into Sufi teachings by Sheikh Muhd al-Din, a famous scholar from Baghdad. This city was at that time the most important center of Sufism and a center of theology, law, philosophy and literature. Having chosen a life of constant spiritual quest, Attar became an ascetic and subjected himself to severe hardships. For this he received a blessing, gained high spiritual experience and learned to enter a state of ecstasy; his fame spread everywhere. Attar wrote one hundred and fourteen books, the most famous of which is Tazkirat al-Awliya. It is followed by Manticut-Tayyur. “Attar is my soul, just as Sanai (c. 1010) is my spiritual eye,” said Jalal ad-din Rumi about Attar, “The Radiance (Nur) of Mansur al-Hallaj (d. 922) 150 years later it manifested itself in Attar.” It will be unnecessary to say that even a cursory reading of Attar’s works reveals the highest peak of spirituality on which he always stood.