M6:4252 — ناگهانی خود عسس او را گرفت / مشت و چوبش زد ز صفرا  ناشکفت

Translation: Suddenly the policeman himself seized him; with fists and clubs he struck him, and from bile/anger he showed no mercy/did not open up. Meaning: This verse describes the sudden arrest and beating of the dervish-beggar by the patrolman, who, driven by anger and suspicion, mercilessly assaults him, showing no compassion.

This verse vividly portrays a dramatic and painful scene from the tale of the Baghdad dervish, who, having ventured out at night to beg, is suddenly apprehended by the patrolman. The pivotal point here is Mowlana’s attribution of the patrolman’s actions to his safra (bile/anger): with fists and clubs he struck him, and from bile/anger he showed no mercy/did not open up. In classical medicine, safra was considered the cause of anger and hot temperament. Mowlana himself, elsewhere, translates this condition to individuals with a 'hot disposition' who are 'impatient' and 'quick to anger.' Thus, the patrolman, driven by ill-temper and narrow-mindedness, ruthlessly assaults the dervish, his heart remaining 'unbloomed,' preventing any pity from reaching him.

However, this event is not merely a consequence of the patrolman's individual temperament; it is deeply rooted in the social and governmental context of the time. Mowlana immediately follows this verse by explaining that in those nights, thieves were rampant, and the city's ruler had issued a severe decree: anyone found on the streets at night should have their hand cut off, even if they were the ruler's own kin. The ruler had also sternly warned the patrolmen not to show mercy to thieves and not to accept their 'charms and gold' (bribes). This adds a profound dimension to the incident: the patrolman's violence stems not only from safra and a hot disposition but also from the pressure and fear exerted by the government. He is caught in a situation where he must act mercilessly to avoid retribution himself.

Mowlana connects this narrative to a letter from Imam Ali (PBUH) to Malik Ashtar, emphasizing the 'general public' (ʿām) over the 'elite' (khāṣṣ) and the necessity of sacrificing a part (the bitten finger) to preserve the whole (the body). This hardship and beating inflicted upon the innocent dervish is, in Mowlana’s view, a trial and an intensification of azma (crisis). I have repeatedly stressed that Mowlana deeply believes in the noble tradition: ishtaddī azmatu tanfarajī ('O crisis, intensify so that you may break open'). This beating of the dervish is the peak of that intensity and hardship, which will preface his relief and breakthrough. It provides him with the opportunity to recount his 'true state,' and the sincerity of his words will 'open' the patrolman's heart, leading him to the truth. Thus, this verse is not merely a description of a violent event but a vivid illustration of Mowlana's worldview: apparent ruthlessness is sometimes a step towards relief and the revelation of truth.

Key takeaways

• Anger (safra) and suspicion can harden the human heart, preventing compassion and discernment of truth.
• External and governmental pressures often fuel ruthless and prejudiced behavior in individuals.
• The beating represents an 'intensification of crisis' (azma) that ultimately leads to spiritual relief and the revelation of truth.
• Sudden hardships and calamities can serve as opportunities to test patience and articulate one's true state.
• Mowlana views violence through a divine wisdom lens; apparent suffering can preface inner breakthrough.