M6:3015 — حاتم ار بودی گدای او شدی / سر نهادی خاک پای او شدی

Translation: Were Hatam [Ta'i] alive, he would become his beggar, / He would lay his head down, and be the dust of his feet. Meaning: This verse praises the boundless generosity of the Muhtasib of Tabriz, elevating him above Hatam Ta'i, the legendary symbol of magnanimity, indicating his unparalleled charitable spirit.

In this verse, Rumi paints an astonishing picture of the boundless generosity of the Muhtasib of Tabriz, Badruddin Omar. He sees this Muhtasib not merely as generous, but as the very embodiment of generosity—to such an extent that even Hatam Ta'i, whose name is synonymous with giving in our culture, appears diminutive and insignificant in comparison. Hatam, that renowned benefactor of the Tayy tribe, the very legend of magnanimity, would be demoted to the status of a beggar before this Muhtasib, laying his head on the dust of his feet, hoping to glean but a fraction from his ocean of benevolence. This is not mere hyperbole; rather, it is an expression of the truth that, in Rumi's world, human attributes can reach such a pinnacle of perfection that they shatter all conventional standards.

This description demonstrates how Rumi transcends the concept of "generosity" beyond a mere ethical trait, transforming it into an existential attribute. Rumi's Muhtasib "became a sea in his heart" (به دل بحر آمده); meaning his heart itself has become an ocean of bounty. Every strand of his hair is described as a "Hatam-kadeh" (a home for Hatam's generosity), implying that generosity gushes forth from every particle of his being. This boundless benevolence flows not from artifice or calculation, but from his inherent nature and essence. This is a manifestation of the soul's infinitude, a state where the generous self has emptied itself to such an extent that it perceives no barrier between itself and giving.

The crucial point here is that this generosity transcends conventional limits. As we see in subsequent verses, even if the Muhtasib were to grant a thirsty person an entire sea, he would still feel ashamed that he might have given too little; or if he were to transform a dust mote into a sun, he would still deem it an unworthy effort in light of his own magnanimity. This is a sign of the exalted station of karam (generosity) in Rumi's thought: true karam never considers itself complete and always seeks an even greater bestowal. This is the very infinitude spoken of in mysticism, where there are no limits to perfection. This greatness is not an external attribute but a manifestation of the inner sea that comes to fruition in the existence of mystics and saints. It is precisely when human qualities ascend to a level beyond expectation, and generosity transforms into a 'divine' station.

Key takeaways

• Rumi elevates generosity to an existential state, beyond a mere ethical trait.
• The verse uses hyperbole to describe boundless generosity, dwarfing even the legendary Hatam Ta'i.
• True generosity stems from one's inherent nature and essence, not from obligation or calculation.
• The Muhtasib's immense magnanimity reflects the boundless inner sea of his soul.
• Rumi illustrates that human perfection can transcend all conventional standards, reaching higher echelons.