M6:3026 — روبهی که هست زان شیرانش پشت / بشکند کلهٔ پلنگان را به مشت

Translation: A fox, whose back is bolstered by those lions (divine ones), Will smash the leopards' heads with a single fist. Meaning: This verse asserts that an individual endowed with divine support and affirmation, however outwardly weak, can decisively overcome the mightiest of adversaries.

I read this verse in the context of the remarkable story of Ja'far Tayyār, the great companion of the Prophet, to which Rumi himself refers in the Masnavi. Ja'far, a man of profound faith and unyielding resolve, set out alone to conquer a fortress. The king of the fortress and his vizier were astonished by such audacity and determination. The sagacious vizier, possessing deeper insight, advised the king: “Do not, out of ignorance, rush to confront him! This man is divinely supported, and within his soul, he possesses a mighty 'jam'iyat'.” This 'jam'iyat,' of which Rumi speaks, is the key to understanding this verse.

'Jam'iyat' here does not denote numerical multitude or military might; rather, it signifies spiritual 'certainty,' 'self-confidence,' and 'steadfastness.' It stands in opposition to 'parīshānī-e khāṭir,' or mental fragmentation. One whose mind is gathered is not scattered or dispersed; their personality is unified and unwavering. They know where they are going and upon what they rely. Rumi, here, clearly insists that true support comes from 'divine lions.' A fox, seemingly weak and insignificant, because it has 'those lions at its back'—that is, it enjoys divine affirmation and power—acquires such strength that it can 'smash the leopards' heads' (a symbol of mighty and numerous adversaries) 'with a single fist.' This shattering is achieved not with weapons or armies, but with this symbolic single fist, born of spiritual certainty and self-assurance.

This is a great lesson Rumi imparts to us: true power lies not in outward multitude, but in inner unity and connection to the absolute source of power. It is this 'divine affirmation' that transforms an individual from a fox into a lion, or at least, places the power of a lion behind this seemingly weak fox. This is what frees us from fear and confusion, keeping us firm and steadfast in the face of every challenge. This approach shifts the ontology of power from material and apparent aspects towards spiritual and transcendental ones; a power that arises from unity with God and certainty in the Truth, which no enemy or obstacle can withstand.

Key takeaways

• True power resides in divine support, not in numerical strength or physical might.
• The concept of 'jam'iyat' signifies certainty, self-confidence, and inner unity, rendering an individual invincible.
• A seemingly weak individual, relying on divine affirmation, can overcome the most formidable adversaries.
• Rumi interprets power not from material aspects, but from its spiritual and transcendental dimensions.