M6:3550 — بهر او بنهاده‌ام آن از دو سال / کرده‌ام من نذرها با ذوالجلال

Translation: For him, I have set that aside for two years; / I have made vows (nadhṛhā) with the Lord of Majesty (dhū al-jalāl). Meaning: This verse conveys the profound commitment of a benefactor who, years prior, had set aside wealth for a needy guest, having made solemn vows to God never to reclaim it.

This verse appears within the narrative of the deceased Khwaja, who, in a dream, guides an intermediary to the hidden wealth he has set aside for a needy guest. It is the voice of the Khwaja, who, even from the afterlife, remains faithful to his covenant and vows. Here, Mawlana employs the term nadhṛ (vow), which in Islamic jurisprudence denotes a specific commitment undertaken before God. I have often emphasized that Mawlana's word choices in the Masnavi do not arise from mere chance, but from his inner spiritual state and meaning. While ʿahd (covenant or promise) might seem technically more precise here, Mawlana's selection of nadhṛ imbues the statement with a deeper significance than a simple pledge. Nadhṛ carries the weight of a resolute and active commitment, sealed with dhū al-jalāl (the Lord of Majesty). Breaking such a vow in His presence is considered a grave transgression. This interpretation transcends a dry legal ruling, pointing instead to a profound ethical and spiritual adherence. Not only did the Khwaja set aside the wealth two years prior for this as-yet-unknown guest, but he made nadhṛhā with dhū al-jalāl that not a single grain of that wealth should return to him or his family. This signifies the utmost generosity and purity of intention, deeming the gift irrevocable. The Prophet Muhammad, according to a tradition, said: “The one who takes back his gift is like a dog returning to its vomit.” This forceful ethical pronouncement underscores the profound reprehensibility of retracting a gift. The Khwaja in Mawlana's story, relying on this ethical principle, considers his vow binding even after his death. This reliance on “vows with the Lord of Majesty” is a plea to the divine essence to affirm a pure intention that the Khwaja harbored for years. This is not merely a simple will; it is a symbol of a deep connection with the Divine and an act in accordance with that connection—an act that endures beyond earthly life, culminating in the relief of a needy servant. This story imparts a great lesson in spiritual responsibility and fidelity to one's promises to God.

Key takeaways

• Unwavering commitment to divine vows and covenants.
• The profound ethical and spiritual importance of not retracting gifts or charity.
• Pure intention and foresight in benevolent acts, transcending worldly life.
• Adherence to one's promise to God as a sign of deep spiritual connection.