The analysis of the motifs of gnostic in the Attar's Mosibat-nameh

Gnosis literally means cognition. Gnosticism refers to the cults that believe that liberation from the world depends on attaining knowledge. One the important motifs mentioned in Gnostic texts which have similarities with  Islamic mystics are the estrangement of man in this world, the value of the soul and the worthlessness of the body, the wanderings and neglect of man, the worthlessness of the material world, the degradation of wisdom and achieve cognition or Gnosis. Due to having these similarities, in this study, Attar's Mosibat-nameh selected to examine the similarities and differences between these cases in details. Salek-e Fekrat (The seeker of thought) like the seekers of Gnosticism begins his spiritual journey with the sense of being a stranger in the world where does not belong to it. He achieves cognition through revelation, Self-abandonment and the guidance of Pir who is also the mediator of grace.  Therefore, he will be freed from confusion and placed on the path of cognition. Salek-e Fekrat (The seeker of thought), realizes the value of the soul in the last stage when he encounters with the soul. Like the seekers of Gnosticism who in fact go through the stages of conduct to reach Gnosis or cognition.