M6:1884 — آنچنان که در تن مردان زنان / خفیه‌اند و ماده از ضعف جنان

Translation: Just as within the bodies of men, women / Are hidden, and the feminine (māda) due to weakness of the heart (janān). Meaning: This verse suggests that cowardly or fainthearted men conceal feminine characteristics within themselves, which become apparent due to their lack of spiritual strength and courage, rendering them unfit for spiritual striving.

This verse continues Mowlana's discussion, following his earlier remarks about the 'ignoble man' (mard-i ghurr) and the 'jihad against the self' (ghazv-i nafs). Undeniably, this is one of those verses that starkly differs from, and even challenges, our contemporary understanding of the status of women and men. However, my duty is to expound Mowlana's words as they are, not to attribute my own beliefs to him or to defend his statements. As I have always stressed, one must consider Mowlana's historical and linguistic context; therefore, one may find expressions in the Masnavi that are unsettling to our modern ears.

Mowlana, in the preceding verses, posits that initial jihad is not incumbent upon women, and they do not partake in its virtue. He then questions, if the virtue of 'minor jihad' (external warfare) is not for women, then 'major jihad' (the struggle against the self) would, by extension, be even less so. Mowlana's intent here is not to suggest that women cannot become spiritual wayfarers, but rather that those with 'womanly attributes' (zen-sefatān) lack such capability. This perspective, of course, carries an element of denigration, as he assumes women are inherently fearful and cowardly, possessing 'weakness of the heart' (zaʿf-i janān). Here, janān refers to courage and spirit, not paradise.

This verse explicitly states: 'Just as within the bodies of men, women are hidden' (ānchenān ke dar tan-i mardān zanān khofiya-and). This implies that certain attributes are concealed within some men, whom I refer to as 'hidden women.' These individuals are outwardly male, yet inwardly, due to this very 'weakness of heart'—that is, cowardice and lack of bravery—they display feminine characteristics. Mowlana considers these 'woman-like men' also unfit for major jihad and the struggle against the self. As I have explained before, Mowlana did not shy away from using crude language or strong expressions, sometimes out of a 'reproachful' (malāmatī) intent, and at other times to suit the common audiences attending his lectures. This verse and similar ones highlight a distinctive aspect of the Masnavi's literature, where courage and valor in men are extolled, while their absence is equated with 'weakness of the heart' and 'femininity.' Such expressions, it must be noted, stand in clear contrast to our contemporary understanding of the equality of human values and capabilities regardless of gender.

Key takeaways

• This verse reflects Mowlana's controversial gender perspectives, which are considered challenging in contemporary discourse.
• In this context, Mowlana links 'weakness of the heart' (zaʿf-i janān) with feminine traits, deeming it an impediment to spiritual jihad.
• Men exhibiting 'weakness of the heart' are, in Mowlana's view, inwardly 'hidden women,' incapable of spiritual striving and valor.
• Dr. Soroush interprets these verses within Mowlana's historical and literary framework, emphasizing that they do not necessarily reflect his personal beliefs.