M6:1181 — پس پیمبر روی بر رویش نهاد / بر سر و بر چشم و رویش بوسه داد

Translation: Then the Prophet placed his face upon his face (Halal’s), / And kissed his head, his eyes, and his face. Meaning: This verse depicts a scene of profound affection shown by the Prophet to Halal (the "stranger of the Throne" hidden in the stable), illustrating the essence of prophetic mercy and love.

This verse is a gem from Mevlana's treasury of wisdom concerning the true nature and essence of prophets. The story of Halal, the "stranger of the Throne" who resided in a humble stable, reaches its climax in this tender scene. The Prophet, not with reprimand or coercive miracles, but with the utmost reverence and affection, places his face upon Halal's and kisses his head and eyes.

This act, without doubt, is the practical embodiment of what Mevlana previously depicted as the criterion for prophethood in the story of Moses and the runaway sheep. There, God tells His angels: "Prophethood truly befits such a one"; meaning, one who caresses a stray sheep out of compassion and kindness, not out of anger or coercion. This is Mevlana's fundamental teaching: prophets enter through a door that is nothing but the sea of love. Power and intimidation can never conquer hearts. Pharaoh, in his shrewdness, knew that winning hearts is through love, not by frightening people with a serpent staff. This is the very truth that Hafez expresses: "A hundred kingdoms of the heart can be bought with half a glance"; this is a path whose foundation is unshakeable, unlike the edifice of fear that collapses immediately.

I believe this scene is a representation of this general principle: the greatest asset of prophets was their mercy and love, not coercive miracles or worldly power. These kisses of the Prophet upon Halal's face signify the reverence for a "hidden jewel," a jewel that might be concealed in an unconventional appearance, within a stable. The Prophet, not only sees beyond deceptive appearances, but with complete humility, recognizes the spiritual worth of this "stranger of the Throne" and bestows upon him strength and tranquility through his love. It is here that the prophetic miracle manifests in action, not in breaking a staff, but in breaking hearts with love and purity.

Key takeaways

• Love and mercy are the greatest tools and capital of prophets, not coercion or miracles of power.
• Winning hearts is achieved through affection, not through intimidation or fear.
• Prophets recognize and honor the "hidden jewel" in any guise, even in the most humble of places.
• The Prophet's humility before the "stranger of the Throne" indicates an authentic spiritual gaze that transcends appearances.
• The edifice of love is enduring and more stable than any other structure.