M1:195 — در خیالش مُلک و عِزّ و مهتری / گفت عزرائیل رو، آری بری

Translation: In his imagination, there was dominion, honor, and mastery; Azrael said, 'Go, yes, you will obtain them!'

Meaning: This verse highlights the deceived goldsmith's delusions of grandeur, believing he is headed for great success, while unknowingly walking towards his own demise, a fate ironically affirmed by Azrael.

This verse presents a poignant and, at the same time, deeply ironic image of the goldsmith's self-deception. The goldsmith, lured by avarice for wealth and status, abandons his home, family, and land, believing he is journeying towards dominion, honor, and mastery (mulk-o ʿizz-o mehterī). In reality, he is walking of his own accord towards a suʾ al-qaḍā (an ill fate). Mawlana likens this journey to a "kiss of death"—an ostensibly welcoming invitation concealing a terrifying truth. The rewards and robes he receives are, in fact, his khūn-bahā (blood-money), not a gift of appreciation.

Amidst this, the words of Azrael, the angel of death, carry a bitter sarcasm. He tells the goldsmith, "Yes, go, you will obtain them!" This "you will obtain them" is not an endorsement of the king's false promises, but rather an ironic affirmation of the goldsmith's deluded fantasies. The very dominion and honor he harbors in his mind are nothing but a mirage; his ultimate end is death. This is one of those instances where Mawlana endeavors to highlight the stark contrast between reality and illusion. The goldsmith pursues the mirage of power and wealth, while the hand of destiny pulls him towards annihilation.

This verse also connects to Mawlana's profound observation that kar az kar khīzad dar jahān (one event gives rise to another in the world). Sometimes, a seemingly pleasant event or a minor covetous desire can be the beginning of a chain of occurrences that leads an individual to an unwanted destination. Here, the goldsmith's greed lures him onto a journey whose end is death, not elevated status. This is a profound lesson about heedlessness toward truth and becoming ensnared by superficial appearances.

Key takeaways

• Greed and Deception: The goldsmith is deceived by avarice, believing he is destined for greatness.
• Azrael's Irony: The Angel of Death sarcastically affirms the goldsmith's deluded fantasies, while his true destination is death.
• Suʾ al-qaḍā (Ill Fate): Sometimes, individuals willingly walk towards their own tragic destiny.
• The 'Kiss of Death': An outwardly appealing invitation that conceals a destructive inner reality.
• Blood-money as a Gift: What appears to be a reward is, in fact, the price of one's life.
• Illusion vs. Reality: Mawlana highlights the profound disparity between reality and illusions born of greed.