The Conference of the Birds

In the previous section, several birds questioned the hoopoe about their character flaws holding them back in the journey to the Simorgh. This section begins with one bird accepting the hoopoe’s leadership, confessing that he is “ignorant of right and wrong” (124), and so should submit himself to the hoopoe’s guidance. The hoopoe applauds the bird’s decision, telling him that one hour of guidance is more beneficial than an entire pious lifetime without it. He tells several stories that illustrate the benefits of guidance and submission. The majority of these stories celebrate prisoners or slaves who are humble, and serve God with dignity.

The next bird insists, unlike many of the birds before him, that he is bound to nothing and could take the journey if he achieves “purity of heart” (128). The hoopoe answers that only the strong and pure will be able to complete the journey and it is necessary to be fully detached from earthly loves. He speaks of an enlightened sheikh who loved his son and horse, and would give thanks if they both died since they “entice, as idols would, [his] spirit from the Way” (129). The hoopoe tells two stories to illustrate his point that compensate earthly loss with God’s eternal love.