The Allegory of the Wolf and the Lamb in Jami's Haft Awrang

In Section 143 of the Silsilat al-Dhahab (from the Haft Awrang), Jami employs the classic allegory of leaving a helpless lamb (barreh) in the company of a hungry wolf (gorg) to criticize the negligence and moral failure of pseudo-spiritual guides.

Key Themes:

1. Negligence of the Guide: The Sheikh, after engaging in superficial discourse and hosting his guests with meager food, retires to sleep, leaving the vulnerable visitor unprotected.
2. The Predator and the Prey: The corrupt individual (mofsedak) is depicted as the awake, active wolf, while the innocent guest is the helpless lamb. Jami highlights the inevitability of harm when a guardian is negligent or indifferent to the moral safety of those in their charge.
3. Critique of Khanqah Leadership: This narrative serves as a cautionary tale warning seekers against guides who present an outward show of hospitality and wisdom but fail to prov...