M6:538 — نح علی قبل موتی واغتفر / لا تنح لی بعد موتی واصطبر

Translation: Lament over me and cast dust upon your head before my death; Do not lament over me after my death, but be patient. Meaning: This verse underscores the importance of attending to someone's needs and emotional state during their lifetime. It argues that post-mortem lamentation and regret are futile and too late.

This verse, in my discerning view, is an unequivocal summons to foresight and timely action. Mowlana states with crystalline clarity that instead of indulging in regret and sorrow after an event has transpired, one must address the matter in the moment of presence and vitality. I contend that this beyt must be read within the context of narratives such as the 'Bird and the Legal Subterfuges,' where the bird, having fallen into the snare, begins to recite Quranic surahs like Ya-Sin and An'am. Mowlana, however, deems such an act ultimately fruitless, for the opportune moment has passed. He is, it seems, echoing the well-known Persian adage, 'Prevention is better than cure,' and the Arabic proverb 'before the ruin of Basra,' underscoring the necessity of pre-emptive engagement.

I perceive this verse as a profound echo of sentiments found in Mowlana's own ghazals, where he poignantly states:

Why would you kiss my grave when I am gone? Kiss my face now, for I am still here.

This is the essence: comprehend me now, attend to me now, do not wait until the dust of death settles upon me to lament at my tomb. This counsel extends beyond mere interpersonal relationships; it embodies a broader message of sagacity and prudence in navigating life. Mowlana's constant emphasis on the 'now' and 'this very breath' permeates the entirety of the Masnavi and the Divan-e Shams. Unlike many, he harbors no nostalgic fondness for the past, nor does he condone the 'alas' of retrospective lamentation. This beyt is an integral part of that very intellectual framework: calling for succor, reciting sacred verses, casting dust upon one's head — all must occur at the moment of need, before it is too late.

I liken this to the tale of the careless watchman whose caravan is plundered, only for him to begin beating his drum and shouting 'Hie-hie!' after the thieves have departed. Mowlana sarcastically asks, 'Then what were you doing?' When the thieves brandished their swords, he remained silent; now that they are gone, he cries out as much as he wishes. This beyt carries precisely this meaning: those cries and laments that erupt after calamity and separation are ineffective. Action must be taken when the opportunity for union or correction still exists, otherwise, after the storm, tears will be of no avail.

Key takeaways

• Attend to individuals during their lifetime; post-mortem lamentation is futile.
• The necessity of timely action and foresight, before opportunities are lost.
• Regret and remorse after an event betray a lack of prudence in the moment of presence.
• Mowlana emphasizes the 'now': appeals for help and solutions must be made in the moment of need.
• This verse critiques those who postpone their duties and responsibilities, only to mourn their consequences later.