M6:1914 — ور کشد آن دیر هان زنهار تو / ورد خود کن دم به دم لاتقنطوا

Translation: And if it (your aim) is delayed, then heed this warning: Make "la taqnatū (do not despair)" your constant litany.

Meaning: This verse advises that if one's desired outcome or the answer to a prayer is prolonged, one must never lose hope, but rather continually reaffirm the Quranic command, "la taqnatū" (do not despair).

I have always emphasized that the Masnavi is a book of hope and anticipation, not one of despair or despondency. This particular verse precisely aligns with that spirit, teaching us one of the fundamental tenets of Rumi's thought. In spiritual journeys, in daily life, and even in the quest for one's destined provision (rizq), one often encounters delays and prolonged waiting. Desired outcomes take time, prayers are answered slowly, and efforts seem to yield no immediate fruit. It is in such moments that a person might fall into despair, yet Rumi issues a clear warning: "And if it (your aim) is delayed, then heed this warning." This "warning" (zenhār) means to be aware, to be cautious of the trap that despair lays for you.

What, then, is the seeker's duty in the face of such delay? "Make 'la taqnatū' your constant litany." This "la taqnatū" is a direct Quranic injunction, commanding believers: "la taqnatū min raḥmat Allāh" (Do not despair of the mercy of God). Rumi, by directly quoting the divine word, weaves this principle into the very fabric of his message. He tells us that this despair, this qunūṭ, is a deadly affliction. Qunūṭ (with a 'ṭā') signifies utter hopelessness and dejection, and it must be distinguished from qunūt, which is sincere and humble prayer. One who is qānit (devout and submissive) is far removed from qunūṭ.

So, what is the solution? The solution is remembrance of God. The solution is constant litany (wird) and devotion. We must hold this verse, like morning and evening invocations, continuously upon our tongues and in our hearts. This litany is not mere lip service; it speaks to a deeper insight. An insight that proclaims the management of all affairs rests with an infinitely merciful Being. A delay in answer does not mean a lack of answer; rather, it is part of divine wisdom. As Rumi declared elsewhere, "Upon every morsel is secretly written / 'This is the provision of so-and-so, son of so-and-so'"; meaning, each person's provision, even a single morsel, is preordained and inscribed. If something is destined for you, it will surely reach you. It might be delayed, but it will never vanish. This lesson of trust in God (tawakkul) and submission (taslīm) is the very essence of this profound verse.

Key takeaways

• The Masnavi is fundamentally a book of hope, not despair.
• Delay in achieving one's aim or in the answer to prayer should not lead to despondency.
• "La taqnatū" (do not despair) is a Quranic command that must be the seeker's constant litany.
• Despair (qunūṭ) is a deadly affliction stemming from a weak understanding of divine providence.
• Destined provisions and desires will never vanish, even if their arrival is delayed.
• This verse encapsulates the profound lesson of reliance on God (tawakkul), submission, and trust in divine wisdom.