1. Farid al-Din Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ‘Attar
Persian mystical poet, pharmacist and doctor
b. 1119, d. betw 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

2. Hasan of Basra ( )
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

3. 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

4. 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