فریدالدین عطار نیشاپوری کی شاعری میں اخلاقِ نبوی ﷺ کی تشکیل: قرآنی و حدیثی بنیادوں، روحانی تربیت اور انسانی تکمیل کا تجزیاتی مطالعہ

The Formation of Prophetic Ethics (Akhlaq-i Nabawi) in the Poetry of Farid al-Din 'Attar al-Nishapuri: An Analytical Study of Qur'anic and Hadith Foundations, Spiritual Training, and Human Perfection

Abstract

This research presents an analytical study of the formation of Prophetic ethics (Akhlaq-i Nabawi) in the poetry of Farid al-Din 'Attar al-Nishapuri (d. 1220 CE), examining its Qur'anic and Hadith foundations, its role in spiritual training, and its contribution to human perfection. 'Attar, one of the most prominent Sufi poets of the Islamic tradition, articulated a comprehensive ethical framework rooted in the prophetic model, emphasizing that the ultimate goal of Sufism is the embodiment of the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ moral character. The study explores how 'Attar's poetic works—particularly his Mantiq al-Tayr (The Conference of the Birds), Musibatnama, Ilahinama, and Tadhkirat al-Auliya—reflect the prophetic virtues of compassion, forgiveness, humility, justice, patience, and love, all of which are deeply grounded in Qur'anic verses and Hadith literature. Through a systematic analysis of 'Attar's poetry, the research demonstrates that he presents the Prophet's ethics not merely as a set of moral ideals but as a comprehensive system of spiritual training, personal transformation, and social harmony. The study highlights the Qur'anic foundations of prophetic ethics, particularly the concept of uswah hasanah (excellent example), the emphasis on tazkiyah (self-purification), and the cultivation of moral virtues such as truthfulness, trustworthiness, kindness, and moderation. It further examines the Hadith literature that informs 'Attar's ethical vision, including the Prophet's teachings on husn al-khuluq (beautiful character), forgiveness, and compassion. The research concludes that 'Attar's poetry serves as a bridge between prophetic ethical teachings and Sufi spiritual practice, offering a pathway to human perfection through the emulation of the Prophet's moral example.