M6:3014 — محتسب بد او به دل بحر آمده / هر سر مویش یکی حاتم‌کده

Translation: This Muhtasib had a heart come-to-be like the sea; every strand of his hair was a Ḥātam-dwelling (a place of legendary generosity). Meaning: This couplet describes the character of Badr al-Din Omar, the Muhtasib of Tabriz, as a man of unparalleled generosity and vastness of heart, whose benevolence far exceeded all expectations.

This couplet appears in the midst of the tale of the Muhtasib of Tabriz, a figure who, contrary to the typical image of a Muhtasib as a stern enforcer of public morals, embodies boundless generosity and magnanimity. Here, Rumi describes the character of Badr al-Din Omar, the well-reputed Muhtasib, offering a profound lesson on human benevolence and the manifestation of divine attributes in individuals.

The first hemistich, "This Muhtasib had a heart come-to-be like the sea," immediately evokes a central and recurring image in the Mathnavi: the "sea." I have repeatedly emphasized that Rumi himself was "sea-like," and this oceanic quality is a metaphor for an infinite expanse of being, knowledge, and compassion. This particular Muhtasib, too, possesses a heart akin to the sea—a heart that is neither narrow nor limited, but rather vast and deep, from which one can draw boundless generosity and insight. Such a heart is a manifestation of the very "spiritual sea" that Rumi speaks of elsewhere. This oceanic quality of the heart signifies an inner vastness and an unboundedness of spirit that knows no limits to giving or knowing.

The second hemistich, "every strand of his hair was a Ḥātam-dwelling," reaches the zenith of this portrayal of generosity. Ḥātam-kada (Ḥātam-dwelling) refers to Ḥātam al-Ṭāʾī, the legendary Arab figure who is the proverbial epitome of generosity. Yet, Rumi goes further; this Muhtasib is so munificent that even each strand of his hair is, in itself, a dwelling of generosity, an independent Ḥātam-dwelling. This is not mere hyperbole but a description of a quality of generosity that transcends all comparisons. As Rumi later states in subsequent verses, even Ḥātam himself would become his beggar, bowing down to him. This implies that the generosity of this Muhtasib surpasses the bounds of history and legend, reaching a divine dimension.

The emphasis here is that this Muhtasib, even if he were to give a parched soul an entire sea of fresh water, would still feel ashamed for having given too little. Or, if he were to transform a dharra (the tiny dust motes dancing in a sunbeam, which in Rumi's literature symbolize insignificance) into a sun, he would consider that act "unworthy" of his magnanimity. This perspective is not merely a moral trait but stems from a deeper worldview—one that regards the source of all good as infinite and thus views any act, in relation to that infinite, as negligible. Here, generosity transforms from a mere action into an existential quality that is intrinsic to his very being, not merely an accidental attribute.

An important point here is the contrast between this particular Muhtasib and the conventional understanding of a Muhtasib. Typically, a Muhtasib symbolizes strictness and superficial expediency. However, Rumi, even within this framework, introduces a character who is like "a relative and kin" to strangers, and whose sea of generosity is endless. This demonstrates Rumi's approach of looking at the "human" beyond their title or position. This Muhtasib's generosity and vastness of heart were a source of peace and joy for the indebted dervish, unlike other debtors who were "frowning" and sorrowful. This very joy and lightness of spirit in the dervish attest to the spiritual and existential impact of this Muhtasib, who purifies hearts from sorrow and draws them towards joy—the very Jalāʾ al-aḥzān (polisher of griefs) and ṭarab-āvari (bringer of joy) that are hallmarks of the Mathnavi.

Key takeaways

• An oceanic heart symbolizes boundless existence and infinite generosity, a hallmark of divine personages.
• The Muhtasib's generosity surpasses even that of legendary figures like Ḥātam al-Ṭāʾī, with every grand act seeming small in comparison to his vast spirit.
• Rumi portrays even a figure in an official capacity like a Muhtasib as a manifestation of divine grace and generosity, bringing joy to others.
• This couplet suggests that the source of true giving is not the recipient's need, but the giver's own inner vastness and perfection.
• The indebted dervish, relying on this oceanic heart, was liberated from sorrow and filled with joy, echoing the Mathnavi's message of Jalāʾ al-aḥzān (polisher of griefs) and delight.