M6:3873 — آن دو سه تار عنایت هم‌چو کوه / سد شود چون فر سیما در وجوه

Translation: Those two or three threads of grace, like a mountain, Become a dam, like the splendor of the countenance on faces. Meaning: This verse conveys that divine grace acts as an immovable mountain, protecting individuals, and the radiant countenances of the sincere bear witness to this safeguarding.

This verse, in essence, is the conclusion to a profound discussion in the Masnavi concerning the immunity of the sincere (mukhlisīn) from Satan's harm. Here, Mawlana teaches us that divine grace and favor (ʿināyat), like a mighty and steadfast mountain, creates an impenetrable barrier against evil and satanic temptations.

I assert that this phrase, fer-e sīmā dar wujūh (the splendor of the countenance on faces), is undeniably connected to the noble Qur'anic verse: sīmāhum fī wujūhihim min athar as-sujūd (Qur'an 48:29: "Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration"). This 'splendor' or 'aura of the face' is not merely an outward sign; rather, it is the external manifestation of an inner state of sincerity and truthfulness. This radiance of the face, in effect, serves as a 'divine writ of security' (amānnāme-ye ilāhī), the very covenant of safety that God has bestowed upon His sincere servants.

The imagery of the mountain (kūh) and the dam (sad) underscores the robustness and stability of this divine support. Just as a mountain stands firm against storms and floods, so too is divine grace an unyielding barrier against the onslaught of devils and impurities. Yet, it is crucial to note that immediately after this verse, Mawlana warns us against a common misconception. He does not suggest that because divine grace exists, we should abandon our efforts and rest easy. Instead, he states: "Do not abandon the brick, O noble one, yet do not sleep safe from the ugly devil" (khisht rā magzār ay nīkū-sīrat / līk ham āmin makhab az dīv-e zesht). This means that despite seeking refuge in divine grace, it remains our duty not to cease our own endeavors (symbolized here by the 'brick' or khisht) and to always be alert and awake against the ugly devil of heedlessness and temptation. Our world, as he himself puts it, is maʿraz-e fasād – exposed to corruption. No one in this world can guarantee absolute safety, neither for the body's health nor the soul's well-being. The virtuous are no exception; they too must constantly pray for divine grace and protection and place themselves under His shelter. This grace, though like a mountain, requires our continuous vigilance and seeking to keep it active.

Key takeaways

• Sincerity (ikhlāṣ) is the most potent divine shield against Satan.
• God's grace (ʿināyat) acts as an impregnable mountain, protecting the sincere.
• The splendor on the faces of the sincere (fer-e sīmā) is a mark of this divine writ of security.
• This divine protection does not negate the necessity of human effort and vigilance.
• In this world, even the virtuous must remain watchful and constantly seek divine grace.