The School of Love: Ibn ʿAṭṭār's Transgressive Path to the Divine

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 26 February 2025 In the rich heritage of Sufi literature, few figures stand as prominently as the Persian poet and mystic, Farid al-Din ʿAṭṭār. His conceptualization of the “School of Love” (madhhab-i-ʿishq) offers a profound exploration of love as a transformative force, transcending conventional boundaries and societal norms. In this essay, through a selection of evocative quotes harnessed from the excellent book of Cyrus Ali Zargar's Religion of Love, I want to present ʿAṭṭār articulates a vision of love that defies the constraints of piety and embraces the ecstatic, often unruly nature of human desire. Central to ʿAṭṭār's philosophy is the assertion that “Anyone whose foot becomes firm on the way of Love will leave behind both infidelity and Islam.” This statement encapsulates a radical departure from traditional religious frameworks, suggesting that true devotion to love surpasses the confines of organized faith. At the heart of ʿAṭṭār's philosophy is the notion that love is an all-consuming force. He asserts, “We, the School of Love, have the face of that full moon before us—we come up short for anything other than that beloved.” This metaphor illustrates the singular focus of the lover, suggesting that true love eclipses all else, rendering the mundane irrelevant. The pursuit of love becomes not merely a personal journey but a universal quest for the divine, with the beloved serving as a mirror for the soul's deepest longings. Yet, the journey toward this idealized love is fraught with obstacles. ʿAṭṭār acknowledges this struggle, stating, “If our door is closed on this journey to love, for every step, we have a thousand other doors.” Here, he emphasizes resilience and adaptability, suggesting that love’s path is not linear but filled with myriad possibilities. The lover must remain undeterred by setbacks, constantly seeking new avenues to fulfill their yearning. This relentless pursuit of love often leads ʿAṭṭār to advocate for what some might deem unconventional approaches. He provocatively invites us to “Adopt the School of the Scoundrels of the Ruins! Get up and cast that prayer rug off your shoulder!” This call to abandon traditional piety in favour of a more liberated expression of love challenges the very foundations of religious observance. In this context, the tavern becomes a sacred space, a gathering place for “His scorned lovers,” where societal norms dissolve in the intoxication of love. For ʿAṭṭār, love is not just a personal affair but a transformative experience that reshapes one’s identity and belief systems. His assertion that “Anyone whose foot becomes firm on the way of Love will leave behind both infidelity and Islam” suggests that genuine love transcends conventional categories of faith and disbelief. This radical notion invites seekers to embrace love as a higher calling, one that defies the limits of established religious practice. The poet does not shy away from the provocative implications of love's transgressive nature. In his words, “Since I’ve taken the tavern as my qibla-prayer-direction, how can I practice pious self-restraint?” This rhetorical question highlights the paradox of a love that defies boundaries and norms. To fully embrace love is to embrace the self's raw, unfiltered essence, shedding the constraints of societal expectations. In ʿAṭṭār’s vision, love is not merely a personal affair but a communal experience that disregards societal judgment. “They do not fear the blame of any blamer,” he writes, underscoring the courage of true lovers who pursue their passion without concern for external validation. This fearless pursuit echoes the transformative potential of love, which can redefine one's identity and purpose. Moreover, ʿAṭṭār posits that love is inherently transgressive, serving as a catalyst for self-discovery: “Love itself is transgressive and transformative; it is ‘a process of becoming oneself.’” This perspective invites us to reconsider the boundaries of selfhood, suggesting that through love—especially in its more daring expressions—individuals can uncover deeper truths about their own existence. Ibn ʿAṭṭār's School of Love challenges us to embrace the transformative power of love, urging us to transcend conventional boundaries and societal expectations. His assertion that “Anyone whose foot becomes firm on the way of Love will leave behind both infidelity and Islam” serves as a profound reminder that love can lead us beyond the confines of organized faith into a more authentic spiritual existence. As we navigate our own paths of love, let us heed ʿAṭṭār’s call to open ourselves to the divine, even if it means stepping into the taverns of transgression. In doing so, we might just find the sacred waiting for us in the ruins of our hearts. ---------- A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books are (co-edited) - Shame, Modesty, and Honour in Islam and Interfaith Engagement beyond the Divide (Springer) URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/ibn-attar-transgressive-path-to-divine/d/134728 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism