M6:1262 — هم نه‌ای هدهد که پیکی‌ها کنی / نه چو لک‌لک که وطن بالا کنی

Translation: You are neither a hudhud (hoopoe) to carry messages, / Nor like a lak-lak (stork) to make your home high up. Meaning: This verse challenges the listener, asking what their worth and function are if they possess none of the specific skills—like the hudhud's message-carrying or the stork's high-nesting—that grant value in the conventional world.

Mowlana employs a precise pedagogical strategy in these verses, which I call the 'instilling of despair.' He initially strips his audience of any conventional merit or skill valued in the 'market of creation' through a series of relentless questions. In this particular couplet, he places us in the position of a being devoid of the outstanding qualities of even the most distinguished birds:

We are not like the hudhud (hoopoe), the messenger of Solomon, known for its ability to carry messages. This act, celebrated in mythology and the Holy Quran, symbolizes efficiency and the fulfillment of a vital mission. The hudhud represents one capable of significant deeds, bridging worlds with messages, and playing a crucial role in disseminating divine decrees.

Nor are we like the lak-lak (stork), which builds its nest in high places. This bird, in contrast to the mole that dwells in the earth, symbolizes aspiration, elevated dwelling, and perhaps a noble detachment from earthly attachments and lowliness. The stork's ascent inherently speaks of high resolve and an exalted station.

After negating these symbolic attributes, Mowlana culminates this process of emptying with questions such as, "What are you good for? And for what purpose would anyone buy you? What kind of bird are you, and how would they eat you?" He seeks to demonstrate that if we view ourselves solely through the lens of worldly criteria, many of us are utterly devoid of the 'abilities' that render others useful. This process of stripping away perceived competence is not meant to induce despondency, but rather to prepare the heart. Only after acknowledging this 'nothingness' (نیستن) and emptiness of superficial virtues can one prepare to receive grace from the Divine. In God's market, the Buyer purchases goods not for profit but out of sheer generosity, and even the 'qalb' (counterfeit or unworthy item) is not rejected. This beyt, in essence, is a stepping stone for entering that selfless market of Divine love, where the Greatest Purchaser buys even the least valuable commodities.

Key takeaways

• Mowlana, by negating apparent virtues, makes us aware of our existential emptiness.
• Acknowledging a lack of worldly skills is a necessary step towards receiving divine grace.
• The hudhud (hoopoe) symbolizes mission and message-carrying, while the lak-lak (stork) represents high aspiration and elevated dwelling.
• Mowlana's initial aim in these verses is to instill a constructive despair, preparing the heart.
• God's market accepts even the 'worthless commodity,' as its intention is not profit but generosity.