M6:54 — می‌نگر در خود چنین جنگ گران / پس چه مشغولی به جنگ دیگران

Translation: Behold such a mighty war within yourself; / Why, then, are you engaged in fighting others? Meaning: This verse admonishes humanity that the root cause of external conflicts lies in one's own internal contradictions and struggles, and true salvation is found in resolving these inner battles.

In the midst of his discussions on the cosmos's formation and the inherent conflict of opposites in nature, Mowlana suddenly shifts his discourse to an ethical and educational turn, addressing humanity directly. He declares, "Behold such a mighty war within yourself." This is an unequivocal invitation to introspection, to a deep exploration of one's own contradictory "states." We, as human beings, are captives to diverse and opposing moods: one day joyful, the next sorrowful; at times furious, at others serene. These states, often unbeknownst to us, are at war with one another, like armies engaged in battle and animosity within our very being.

The pivotal point Mowlana raises here touches upon what psychologists today refer to as "projection." He states with conviction: "Since I strike my own path at every moment / How can I then make peace with others?" This means that if I am at war with myself, with my own nafs (self), how can I possibly expect to be at peace with others? A person who is perpetually in conflict with others, in truth, carries the problem within themselves and projects this internal war onto the external world and onto others. This outward conflict serves as a veil for a deeper struggle unfolding within the very fabric of one's being.

So, what is the remedy? Mowlana advises, "Firstly, do not fight with others; attend to your own war." This means dedicating oneself to resolving this inner dilemma, to addressing the root of conflict and contradiction within oneself. In my view, this is Mowlana's definition of human perfection: liberation from internal strife. This internal war constitutes an immense "waste of energy." When an individual is at war with themselves, no power remains to combat moral vices or to resolve their own imperfections. They consume and deplete themselves, deviating from the essential path of spiritual maturation. Mowlana hopes that one may be "rescued" from this war and find the "world of uniform peace"; that God may free them from this struggle and lead them to inner unity and serenity. This is a profound message for self-knowledge, a prerequisite for divine gnosis.

Key takeaways

• Conflict with others originates from one's internal struggle with the self.
• External quarrels are projections of deeper, unresolved inner turmoil.
• Human perfection lies in liberating oneself from internal strife and achieving inner peace.
• Introspection and addressing one's 'mighty war' within are crucial for achieving unity.
• Internal battle is a waste of energy, hindering spiritual growth and the fight against vices.