M1:325 — بومُسَیلِم را لقب کذّاب ماند / مر محمد را اولُو الاَلباب ماند

Translation: Musaylima was destined to be known as 'the Liar', While Muhammad remained among the 'Possessors of Intellect'. Meaning: This couplet draws a stark contrast between false claimants and true prophets, asserting that the ultimate truth and essence of any spiritual calling are revealed by its lasting impact and the quality of its fruits.

This couplet stands as a crucial guide from Mawlana for discerning the true from the false, for distinguishing between genuine prophets and deceitful claimants. It follows earlier verses where he depicts 'base men' who 'steal the words of dervishes / To chant charms to the simple-minded'. Here, Mawlana provides a clear criterion for such discernment.

Musaylima (rendered as Bo Musaylim for poetic meter, referring to Musaylima al-Kazzab, 'the Liar') epitomizes the false claimant. He asserted prophethood, but history and truth ultimately branded him 'the Liar'. This appellation, like a brand upon his forehead, became eternal. He represents all deceivers who, with 'woolen lions' and stolen words, 'beg' – exploiting religion for personal gain – striving to 'give Musaylima the title of Ahmad', meaning to cloak their deceitful guise in the mantle of true prophets.

In stark contrast stands Muhammad, the Messenger of God (peace be upon him), who is celebrated in the Holy Quran as Ulu al-Albab – 'possessors of intellect and core understanding'. This title denotes not merely knowledge, but a profound wisdom that penetrates to the heart of reality, unswayed by superficial appearances. Through this vivid opposition, Mawlana instructs us that the ultimate judgment of a spiritual claim rests not on the claimant's assertion, but on the fruits and consequences of their endeavor. This very criterion is elaborated in the subsequent verse, which speaks of the 'wine of truth whose seal is musk / While common wine ends in stench and torment'.

The fruits and consequences manifest both inwardly and outwardly. The 'wine of truth', flowing from the pure fount of prophethood and divine guardianship (wilāya), is 'pure musk'. It not only bestows fragrance and vitality upon the soul and heart but also awakens the intellect from slumber and saturates the senses with the sweet scent of reality. It is akin to the wine mentioned in the Quran: 'its seal is musk' (Qur'an 83:25-26). Conversely, the 'wine' of false claimants, though it may initially appear alluring, 'ends in stench and torment'. After imbibing it, it yields not only a false intoxication leading to headaches and lassitude but also leaves behind an unpleasant odor that betrays its inner falsehood. This serves as a practical, sensory criterion for distinguishing good from bad, and beautiful from ugly, in the spiritual realm.

Key takeaways

• The distinction between false claimants and true prophets is made evident by the fruits and outcomes of their actions.
• The titles 'the Liar' for Musaylima and 'Possessors of Intellect' (Ulu al-Albab) for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) represent eternal judgments of truth.
• The true nature of a spiritual caller is discerned by the sweet fragrance of the 'wine of truth' or the foul odor of their 'common wine'.
• Ulu al-Albab signifies individuals of profound intellect who grasp the essence of truth, unswayed by superficial appearances.