M6:4131 — گر ندادستش چنین رفتار دست / این خبرها زان ولایت از کیست

Translation: If such a conduct (journeying) has not been granted by the hand of capacity to one, then from whom are these tidings from that spiritual domain? Meaning: This verse poses a rhetorical question: If an individual lacks the inner capacity and divine enablement for a spiritual journey, from what source do they receive the subtle, unseen tidings of the higher realms?

This profound verse by Mawlana raises a fundamental question about the possibility and nature of accessing unseen truths and undertaking the spiritual path. He asks: If one has not been granted the 'hand' – meaning the agency, capacity, or means – for 'such conduct' (spiritual striving, inner movement, or journey), then from whom do 'these tidings' from 'that realm' (the realm of the unseen and spirituality, the wilāyat) come? This is a rhetorical question, carrying a definitive answer: the tidings of that realm can only come from one who has endowed us with the 'hand' and 'conduct' necessary for such an endeavor.

I have repeatedly emphasized that Mawlana absolutely rejects self-reliance or being 'self-made' in spiritual pursuit. This is where the role of the Pir-e Rashad (the guide of spiritual maturity) becomes paramount. "Not a pir by years alone, but a pir matured in guidance." This guide is the one who takes the seeker's hand, who teaches and enables 'such conduct' for them. If the hand of such a guide is not present, or, higher still, if the hand of divine power behind this guide is absent, who then will bring these tidings?

Consider Nimrod, who, in ancient tales, rose rebelliously and without guidance, intending to conquer the heavens. He believed he could reach the sacred divine presence using material and animal means (vultures). Abraham tells him: "It is better if I become your vulture / When you make me a ladder to the heights." This signifies that the correct 'hand' and 'conduct' must be received from a guide. Abraham, in essence, is that Pir-e Rashad offering to be the ladder to the heavens. Nimrod sought to reach the tidings of 'that realm' through his own 'hand' and ignorant 'conduct,' but "no vulture can fly to the celestial sphere." This path is not one of a 'surgeon's knife' or a 'missile'; rather, it is a 'spiritual journey, an intellectual journey, a journey of the heart.' And this journey is not possible without guidance and a helping hand.

I have often said that "submission is the condition, not prolonged effort." Submitting to a pir or spiritual master is itself a form of 'gaining the hand.' The hand that grants the ability for 'such conduct' first demands our hand in submission. If this submission is absent, that enabling hand is not bestowed, and the tidings will not arrive. We do not know everything. In spiritual and unseen matters, our transactional intellect is of no use. There, as Hafez says, "It is darkness, fear the danger of losing your way," and "Do not cross this stage without the companionship of Khidr."

Ultimately, this verse underscores that unseen truths and heavenly tidings are not human-made commodities. They are gifts that arrive from 'that realm' and from God or His intermediaries, provided the seeker has prepared and made themselves receptive to such reception and 'conduct' – a readiness that cannot be attained without assistance and guidance.

Key takeaways

• Access to unseen tidings depends on the 'hand' (power, permission, capacity) for spiritual journey, not mere self-willed effort.
• Without the companionship and guidance of a Pir-e Rashad, spiritual journey is impossible; the guide provides the 'hand' for the journey.
• Nimrod's story exemplifies that attempting to reach the unseen realm through material means and self-reliance inevitably fails.
• 'Submission is the condition, not prolonged effort'; yielding to a guide is itself the means to the capacity for spiritual 'conduct'.
• The journey to the unseen wilāyat is a spiritual, intellectual, and heartfelt one, not a physical or material ascent.
• Unseen truths are divine gifts, bestowed upon the seeker who cultivates the necessary receptivity and undergoes proper guidance.