M6:169 — پیشه‌اش اندر ظهور و در کمون / اهد قومی انهم لا یعلمون

Translation: His profession, in both manifestation and concealment, _Is: "O God, guide my people, for they do not know."

Meaning: Rumi states that the Prophet of Islam's sole mission, both during his lifetime and perpetually thereafter, is to guide humanity and intercede for the ignorant, consistently praying for their enlightenment, even those who caused him harm.

This verse encapsulates Rumi’s prophetology and the very essence of the Prophet of Islam’s mission, especially in relation to intercession (shafaʿat) and the Seal of Prophethood (khatamiyyat). When Rumi states, “His profession, in both manifestation and concealment,” he means that the primary task and calling of the Prophet, both in the visible world and the hidden realm, is one and the same: guidance. “Manifestation” refers to his physical life, when he directly and openly guided people. However, “concealment” holds a far deeper implication; it means that even after the Prophet’s physical passing, the chain of his esoteric guidance and walāya (spiritual guardianship) remains active. This is precisely what Rumi alludes to in Book One, saying, “The hand of the Pir is not short for the absent ones.” The Prophet’s esoteric walāya continues to “hunt” and draw receptive hearts to the path, just as a Canadian friend of mine felt himself to be “hunted” by the Prophet. This is a fundamental distinction between divine traditions and human ideologies; prophets, even after their physical demise, maintain their spiritual and guiding presence.

Rumi then links this profession of guidance to a direct quote attributed to the Prophet: “O God, guide my people, for they do not know.” This prayer was uttered by the Prophet during the Battle of Uhud, amidst the peak of suffering and harm inflicted upon him by his own people. While his companions desired him to curse his tormentors, he raised his hands in prayer, saying, “O God, guide my people, for they do not know.” Rumi emphasizes a subtle point here: the Prophet did not even ask for forgiveness, but rather for guidance, as he perceived the root of their deviance and oppression in their ignorance and unawareness. This demonstrates that the Prophet has no other profession than the guidance of human beings, and this prayer is the essence of his mission, flowing forth in both worlds, manifest and hidden.

This concept of guidance and intercession is perpetually active in both worlds. In this world, the Prophet intercedes for us to “show us the way” (meaning, to guide us); and in the next world, he intercedes to “magnify us” (meaning, to elevate our status and rank). Even if we consider intercession not for the forgiveness of sins (as the Muʿtazilites believed) but for the elevation of spiritual rank, the core principle of the Prophet’s aid and support remains. This “breath” or guiding spirit of the Prophet has opened doors in both worlds, and his invitation is answered. It is this continuous intercession and unparalleled guidance that makes him the “Seal” (Khatam); not merely in the sense of being the last, but in signifying the culmination and ultimate perfection of all prophetic ranks, such that no one can ever attain his stature.

Key takeaways

• The Prophet of Islam's mission, at all times (manifest and concealed), is solely to guide humanity.
• The Prophet's esoteric walāya (spiritual guardianship) continues even after his physical passing, drawing receptive hearts.
• The Prophet’s prayer at Uhud, “O God, guide my people, for they do not know,” encapsulates his compassion and focus on human ignorance, not just sin.
• The Prophet's role as intercessor in this world is guidance, and in the next, it is the elevation of status.
• The Seal of Prophethood (khatamiyyat) signifies his attainment of the highest rank and his unparalleled spiritual generosity, not merely being the last in the line of prophets.