M1:362 — از جهود و از جهودی رَسته‌ایم / تا به زنّاری میان را بسته‌ایم

Translation: From the Jew and from Jewishness we are freed; Until, with a zonnār (girdle), we have bound our waist. Meaning: Spoken by the cunning minister, this verse declares his feigned abandonment of Judaism and his adoption of the outward symbols of Christianity to serve a strategic purpose.

This verse is uttered by the cunning minister in a captivating story recounted by Mawlana in the Masnavi, a narrative designed to illustrate the complexities of the world and the multifaceted nature of 'cunning' or makr. A Jewish king ruled his land, severely persecuting Christians. A wise and astute minister devised a 'cunning' plan to save the lives of the Christians and to overthrow the tyranny. Outwardly, he renounces his own faith (referred to here as "Jew" or jahūd) and by tying a zonnār around his waist, he presents himself as a follower of Jesus and Christianity. The zonnār, as was customary in old times, was a girdle worn by non-Muslims, particularly Christians and Zoroastrians, to distinguish themselves from Muslims; it was, in effect, a symbol of their religious identity. His adoption of this symbol thus signaled a break from his former identity.

I am of the belief that the minister's action here serves as a potent example of makr in its morally neutral sense. Makr, by itself, is neither good nor evil; it is a tool whose value is determined by its ultimate purpose and outcome. As the Quran states, "And they schemed, and God schemed; and God is the best of schemers (Al-i Imran 54)", indicating that cunning can also originate from the Divine, when employed for good and righteousness. In this story, the minister's makr is an instrument for a noble aim: saving innocent lives and putting an end to oppression. Through this intelligent 'cunning,' he not only rescued the Christians from destruction but also transformed himself into a herald for propagating the secrets of Jesus's faith.

Furthermore, this verse adds a deeper dimension to Mawlana's discourse on identity and faith. The minister outwardly changes his identity, yet his inner intention and knowledge remain constant and concealed. This distinction between outer appearance and inner reality, between external symbols and heartfelt faith, is one of the core themes of the Masnavi. It is beautifully highlighted in this story through the cunning minister. He has "escaped from the Jew and Jewishness" so that he may "bind his waist with a zonnār," but this liberation and binding are merely superficial, not reaching the depths of his soul and thought. Mawlana utilizes this historical event to explore the intricacies of intention, action, and their consequences, teaching us that sometimes, to achieve justice and good, one must traverse paths that may outwardly appear contrary, yet possess a virtuous essence.

Key takeaways

• This verse exemplifies makr (cunning/stratagem) used in a morally positive sense for a greater good.
• The zonnār is a distinguishing girdle historically worn by Christians and Zoroastrians as a symbol of their religious identity.
• The cunning minister's story illustrates that outward pretense can sometimes be a necessary means to achieve justice.
• Mawlana explores the complex interplay between outer appearance and inner intention, and the hidden motives behind overt actions.