The choice of the name "SIMOURQ" for our association carries profound symbolic significance. One of the literary masterpieces centered around SIMOURQ is "Mantegh al-Tayr" by Attar Neyshaburi, a revered work of Persian mysticism composed in the 6th century AH.
In Sufi literature, the soul of an individual is likened to a bird, and its body to a cage. This bird is perpetually eager to escape its cage. This literature primarily serves to elucidate this yearning.
The narrative of "Mantegh al-Tayr" begins with the assembly of birds, declaring their desire for a king to submit to and acknowledge. This king, known as SIMOURQ, is said to hold sway over both the East and the West. They embark on a journey to find and dwell under its shadow, to be the subjects of its reign, heed its commands, and abide by its decrees. It is rumored that there exists a king, known as SIMOURQ, whose dominion spans the Orient and the Occident. Let us go to find him and entrust ourselves to him.
In this story, a congregation of birds, emblematic of seekers on the path of truth, unite in their quest for SIMOURQ, the embodiment of Divine Truth. Amidst this journey, the Hoopoe bird serves as their guide and the venerable sage. They make their way towards Mount Qaf, the abode of SIMOURQ.
At the outset of their journey, some of the birds, using various pretexts, abandon their quest. The Hoopoe, by recounting the tale of Sheikh San'an, persuades the rest to continue their path. The birds encounter seven arduous valleys, symbolizing the stages of spiritual journey: Quest, Love, Knowledge, Detachment, Unity, Bewilderment, Poverty, and Annihilation. Many birds falter and fall along this arduous path. Only thirty birds persevere and ultimately reach the realm of SIMOURQ. In essence, these thirty birds
Each one of us, having left behind our homes, families, abodes, and lands in search of SIMOURQ (inner peace and the desired life), is, within ourselves, a SIMOURQ in pursuit.
In truth, we immigrants possess all the factors for success and achieving perfection. We need only discover it within ourselves and nurture and elevate it.