M6:1176 — معجزات از بهر قهر دشمنست / بوی جنسیت پی دل بردنست

Translation: Miracles are solely for overpowering the enemy; The scent of affinity is for captivating hearts. Meaning: This verse asserts that supernatural acts can coerce and subdue adversaries, but genuine attraction and heartfelt allegiance can only be achieved through an intrinsic resonance and spiritual kinship.

This couplet by Mowlana offers a profound and precise interpretation of the nature of prophecy and the essence of religiosity, an understanding that I fully endorse as central to the Masnavi and to faith itself. I have repeatedly stated that miracles, contrary to popular belief, do not serve to prove the veracity of prophets; rather, they have a different function. As Mowlana explicitly states here, “miracles are solely for overpowering the enemy.” This is a tool of dominance and subjugation, not attraction and captivation. A miracle, by exercising extraordinary power, intimidates and silences the foe. The example of Moses and Pharaoh is the best testament; Moses cornered Pharaoh with his miracles, but he never won Pharaoh's heart.

Yet, winning hearts and minds comes from another path. Mowlana states: “the scent of affinity is for captivating hearts.” This ‘scent of affinity’ (bū-ye jensiyat) is that intrinsic allure, that innate suitability and resonance that draws hearts towards itself. This attraction is not born of coercion or dominance; rather, it springs from tenderness and love. The truth, when it settles in hearts and convinces minds, does so not through supernatural power, but through its inherent gentleness and familiarity. This ‘affinity,’ in my interpretation, is that ‘familiarity’ and ‘suitability’ that softens hearts and leads them to submission. It is a communication that speaks to the deepest parts of our being.

The Prophet Muhammad, according to Ibn Khaldun and even Ibn Rushd, had two primary miracles: the Holy Quran and the reconciliation of warring Arab tribes. Neither of these was an act of ‘overpowering the enemy.’ The Quran, through its eloquence and content, captivated hearts and intellects; its discourse was inherently ‘familiar’ and ‘heart-pleasing.’ The reconciliation of tribes was likewise a result of mercy and love, not fear or intimidation. This is precisely the ‘scent of affinity’ that gathered people around the Prophet and forged a deep bond among them—a bond that would not endure through the coercion of a miracle, but rather through the grace of the word and inner attraction. How beautifully Mowlana continues in the very next lines: “How can a friend be won by a tied neck?” A friend cannot be gained by force; they must be attracted, charmed, and this is achieved through grace and the ‘scent of affinity.’

This point is a crucial lesson on the nature of prophecy and the mission of prophets. Mowlana's story of Moses and the stray lamb in the Masnavi is a prime example of this ‘scent of affinity.’ God deemed Moses worthy of prophecy, not for his might, but for the compassion he showed towards the stray lamb. Moses, weary and frustrated, caressed the lamb and said: “Even if you showed me no mercy / Why did your own self inflict such harm upon you?” This mercy and tenderness were what made Moses worthy of prophethood, demonstrating that the primary instrument of prophets is ‘love,’ not ‘intimidation.’ Indeed, it is the ‘edifice of love’ that ‘is free from defect’ and endures eternally, while the edifice of fear quickly crumbles. This approach penetrates the very core of human beings and speaks to their innate disposition, rather than coercing them into a path.

Key takeaways

• Miracles are tools for overpowering enemies and asserting power, not for winning hearts.
• Captivating hearts and fostering lasting bonds is achieved solely through the 'scent of affinity' and inner resonance.
• The true function of prophets is to spread love and mercy, accompanied by the grace of their words and innate charisma.
• What is built on coercion and fear is impermanent; the edifice of love, however, is lasting and flawless.
• The truth captivates hearts through its inherent gentleness and familiarity, not through supernatural power.