Farid al-Din Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ‘Attar Persian mystical poet, pharmacist and doctor b. 1119, d. betw. 1190 and 1230 Wrote variety of poetic and prose works on various themes, incl. epic tales & relation of individual to God, esp. from mystical perspective Tadhkirat al-Awliya - book of biographies of Muslim saints and mystics

Hasan of Basra (642-728) Former soldier turned mystic. Respected moral teacher Got into periodic trouble with rulers because was critical of them Advocate of purity of intention in religious observance

Rabi‘a al-Adawiyya (d. betw. 752 and 801) Lived in Basra from early age, but buried outside Jerusalem Extended Hasan’s ideas on purity of intention, especially with regard to purity of intent in individual’s love for God

Al-Hallaj (c. 858-922) Originally from Fars in Persia. Travelled widely, incl. many years as missionary. Eventually settled in Baghdad Had reputation as miracle-worker that gained him large following Insisted that religious rituals were of secondary importance to their inner meaning and inner piety Executed after accused of claiming to be God