M1:2515 — ابلهانش فرد دیدند و ضعیف / کی ضعیفست آن که با شَه شُد حریف

This couplet comes in a section where Rumi is discussing the nature of prophets and spiritual guides, who often appear unassuming or even insignificant to the unperceptive eye. The preceding verses speak of a 'hidden sun in a particle' and a 'lion in a lamb's skin,' emphasizing that true spiritual power is often veiled. The 'foolish' (ablahān) are those who judge by outward appearances, seeing only the human form of the prophet or saint, and thus deeming them 'alone and weak' (fard dīdand-o ḍaʿīf). They fail to grasp the profound connection these individuals have with God, the 'King' (shah). Rumi argues that such a person, being a 'companion' (ḥarīf) to the Divine, is endowed with immense, unseen strength. Their apparent weakness is merely a test for those who lack spiritual insight, a veil over a deeper reality. This theme is central to Sufism: true power lies not in worldly might or status, but in one's relationship with the Divine.