Concept

The Concept of Knowing One's Measure and the Pitfalls of Presumption in Jami's Haft Awrang

In Section 102 of Jami's Haft Awrang, the theme of self-awareness and staying within one's personal capabilities is explored through the famous Arabic proverb, 'May God have mercy on a man who knows his measure and does not exceed his bounds.' Jami uses vivid allegories to illustrate the consequences of overstepping these limits:

  1. The Gradual Journey vs. The Sudden Leap (Tafrah): Attempting to bypass the necessary stages of growth to reach a high destination instantly results in failure and self-destruction, metaphorically described as breaking one's neck.
  2. The Fledgling Bird: A young, immature bird (morgh-e nowras) that prematurely attempts to fly from its high nest without first developing its wings inevitably falls and becomes prey to predators (such as cats).

These metaphors emphasize that spiritual and practical advancement requires gradual progress, self-discipline, and a realistic assessment of one's current capacities, warning against the pride and arrogance th...

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Updated 2026-07-07

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Humanities

Literature

Persian Literature Prerequisite Course