M6:65 — غالبست و چیر در هر دو جهان / شرح این غالب نگنجد در دهان

Translation: Dominant and master in both worlds, The explanation of this dominance cannot fit in the mouth. Meaning: This verse refers to the absolute mastery of the Prophet or Perfect Human Being in both the physical and spiritual realms, emphasizing that the depth of this dominion is beyond words and full expression.

This couplet is one of those astonishing pronouncements by Mawlana that might, at first glance, suggest a general meaning, but Mawlana himself unveils its secret. The term "Ghālib" (the dominant one) here, without a shadow of a doubt, refers to the stature and grandeur of the Prophet of Islam, or, more broadly, the Perfect Human Being. The Prophet is masterful and victorious in both worlds: that of the body and that of the soul.

We must not confine the Prophet's dominance to mere worldly conquests. No, this is a far loftier station. The Prophet exercises dominion in the realm of the 'body,' meaning he establishes Islam and instills submission and obedience within the fabric of society. Simultaneously, he dominates the realm of the 'soul,' meaning he grounds faith and heartfelt belief within the essence of human beings. These two spheres of dominance are not separate; both are manifestations of a singular divine influence.

However, the second part of the couplet, which states: "The explanation of this dominance cannot fit in the mouth," carries a profound epistemological point. Mawlana wishes to convey that the truth and majesty of this dominant one and his mastery transcend the confines of human language and articulation. This is a key insight found in many mystical teachings; existential and divine truths demand experiential realization (shuhūdī), not merely conceptual articulation. It cannot be fully elucidated with words; only a fraction can be uttered. For a complete apprehension, the seeker must be directed to the 'sea of spirituality' and the 'island of the Mathnawi.' As Mawlana himself puts it, even if one cannot draw all the waters of the Oxus (Jeyhun), one should at least not abandon the measure of one's thirst, but rather seek that water of life. The Mathnawi is here to quench this thirst, not with theoretical discourses, but through the intuition and experience of meaning. The Mathnawi is an island in the ocean of spirituality, offering an opportunity for contemplation and drawing the seeker into the heart of meaning.

Key takeaways

• "Ghālib" (the dominant one) in this verse refers to the mastery of the Prophet or Perfect Human Being, not merely worldly powers.
• The Prophet's dominion extends to both the physical realm (establishing Islam) and the spiritual realm (instilling faith).
• The perfection and grandeur of this mastery surpass the capacity of human language for full expression.
• Deep epistemic truths demand experience and intuitive realization, not just conceptual or verbal articulation.
• Mawlana's Mathnawi itself is an "island in the sea of spirituality" that guides the seeker towards understanding these truths.