M6:501 — آنک سنت یا جماعت ترک کرد / در چنین مسبع نه خون خویش خورد

Translation: Whoever abandoned the tradition or the community, In such a den of beasts, did not consume his own blood (but was consumed). Meaning: This verse warns that abandoning established traditions (sunnah) and the fellowship of like-minded people (jama'at) in a perilous world is tantamount to self-destruction, making oneself prey to dangers.

This beyt states unequivocally the paramount importance of 'sunnah and jama'at'—tradition and community—for any seeker, indeed for any human being, who aims to traverse a righteous and secure path. Mevlana, without any reservation, equates abandoning sunnah and jama'at with bringing about one's own destruction. The term masba' here is crucial; masba' signifies a place teeming with predators and wild beasts, ready to tear apart. This world, in Mevlana's view, is not unlike such a dangerous wilderness, and a human who ventures into it alone, without the guidance of collective customs, will undoubtedly become food for these beasts.

I have repeatedly argued that solitude and self-imposed isolation, though superficially appealing to some Sufis, are not always salvific. On the contrary, they can be among the dangerous pitfalls of spiritual journeying. It is in solitude, paradoxically, that Satan draws closer to man, and the roots of egoism and pride find greater opportunity to flourish. This echoes the words of Imam Ali in Nahj al-Balagha, who stated: 'Shadhdh min al-ghanam'—meaning, a sheep separated from its flock will be devoured by wolves. Mevlana, using this very imagery, says:

The wolf mostly catches its prey when A six-month-old lamb wanders alone from the flock.

And immediately after this, he states: 'Whoever abandoned the tradition or the community / In such a den of beasts, did not consume his own blood.' That is, one who distances himself from sunnah and jama'at is like that lone lamb, separated from the flock, destined to fall prey to the wolf.

But why are sunnah and jama'at so vital? Mevlana himself provides the answer: 'Sunnah is the path, community is like a companion / Without a path and without a friend, you fall into distress.' Sunnah is the path—a path trodden before us, bearing footprints. Jama'at is the fellow traveler and companion on this path. Without sunnah and jama'at, one becomes ensnared in an arduous predicament. The companionship of the community fosters a 'cooperation of hearts' (ta'awun-i qulūb) and a 'unification of resolves' (ijtima'-i himam), as Ghazali also posited. Hearts trust each other, resolves combine, and this empathy and fellowship imbue the seeker with double strength. In solitude, one may constantly doubt whether the path being taken is correct, but companions provide reassurance, propelling the individual forward with greater confidence.

However, this emphasis on community by no means implies associating with just any group. Mevlana astutely stresses that 'Do not consider every misguided one a companion / Do not consider the heedless sleepers as aware.' The choice of companions itself demands discernment and foresight. A companion must be 'sympathetic, sharing pain, and proclaiming the One God,' not someone who is an 'enemy of reason' and opportunistic. Cowards and the overly cautious are also highwaymen; through their fear, they weaken the heart of their companion and, with spurious excuses, prevent him from continuing the journey. These are the ones Mevlana calls 'camel-hearted' (ushtardel). As I have often said: 'Whoever has a weak temperament and nature / Desires no one to be healthy.' Unsuccessful and weak-willed individuals cannot bear to see others succeed, and their path is one of retreat and stagnation.

Therefore, the path is not for one to flee from society, but rather to, with insight, find 'travelers' on the 'path of many footprints' and ascend 'the ladder of their insights.' This journey is a path 'full of clamor and strife,' and 'a prudent one is needed to be a man of the path.' The path of religion is not for everyone, but for those who are worthy, community is the guarantor of survival and growth.

Key takeaways

• Abandoning tradition (sunnah) and community (jama'at) leaves the seeker vulnerable in a dangerous world.
• Satan is closer to man in solitude, and pride is nurtured in isolation.
• Community acts as a protective flock, shielding the individual from predatory dangers.
• Fellowship within a community strengthens hearts, unites resolves, and boosts confidence for the journey.
• Choosing companions is crucial; one must avoid the misguided, the heedless, and cowards, as they become spiritual highwaymen.
• The path of spiritual seeking is well-trodden, and one must benefit from the footprints of predecessors and the insights of wise companions.