M6:1428 — تا که بینایان ما زان ذو دلال / در نیایند از فن او در جوال

Translation: Lest our insightful ones, because of that duplicitous one, fall into the snare by his cunning. Meaning: This verse warns against the discerning and wise being deceived and trapped by the tricks and insincerity of an ignorant or hypocritical individual.

This verse immediately follows Mawlana's description of the jāhil (ignorant person) and qarīn-i bad (evil companion). I have consistently stressed that the jāhil, the munāfiq (hypocrite), or the Zū Dalāl (the duplicitous and deceitful individual mentioned here) is a being devoid of true personality, or rather, a two-faced entity. Such a person resembles a khunthā or narmāde (hermaphrodite, dual-natured being) who constantly shifts roles and colors, appearing congenial to you today and speaking ill of you to others tomorrow. In essence, as Saʿdi eloquently puts it, such a person is a hīch-kas (nobody) who "is a fly wherever there is prey." This individual is skilled in cunning and deceptive arts, and their ultimate aim is to ensnare others "dar javāl" (into the sack), trapping them in their web of deceit.

Mawlana here expresses concern for "our insightful ones" (bīnāyān-i mā), those endowed with spiritual vision and discernment, who can distinguish the right path from the wrong. Yet, even these individuals are at risk, because the jāhil and munāfiq present themselves with "sweet words" (shīrīn-sukhan) and a "kind" (mihrabān) demeanor, not with overt hostility. This is precisely the danger posed by the "ignorant mother's affection" (mihr-i mādar-i nādān); it appears solicitous but ultimately weakens and sickens the child. This stands in stark contrast to the proverb "a father's slap is better than her sweets" (sīlī-e bābā beh az halwā-e ū), which suggests that apparent harshness can sometimes lead to genuine good. Therefore, the discerning must be wary of the subtle and seemingly harmless deceptions of such individuals, lest they fall into harm's way by their cunning and trickery.

Key takeaways

• The ignorant and hypocritical person lacks a stable personality and exhibits behavioral duality.
• The Zū Dalāl is a deceitful being who seeks to ensnare others through cunning and trickery.
• Even the insightful (those with spiritual vision) must be vigilant against the deception of the ignorant.
• The sweet-talking demeanor of the ignorant can be more dangerous than overt hostility.
• Ignorant affection (like an ignorant mother's love) can have more destructive consequences.