In Book One, Section 91 of Jalaluddin Rumi's Masnavi, the concept of Divine Jealousy (ghayrat) is presented as God's protective zeal over the seeker's heart. Drawing on a Hadith about God's supreme jealousy, Rumi argues that anything which distracts the soul from the Divine is an obstacle. This encompasses all attachments that hold the seeker back on the spiritual path, regardless of whether they appear outwardly ugly (like unbelief) or beautiful (like superficial faith). God's jealousy demands undivided devotion, meaning true seekers must abandon any worldly or conceptual idols that create distance between themselves and the 'Friend'.