Concept

The Hypocrisy of Worldly Excuses in the Masnavi

In Book 2 of Jalaluddin Rumi's Masnavi, he heavily critiques "self-worshippers" and hypocrites who reject the spiritual guidance of prophets and saints. Rumi observes that such individuals often mask their deep-seated envy and spiritual apathy with pragmatic, worldly excuses. They claim that the burdens of providing for their families—earning a "lawful living" or managing household expenses—leave them with no leisure for religious practice or self-reflection. Rumi dismisses these justifications as mere deceit and spiritual sleepwalking. He contrasts this hypocritical attachment to the material world with the burning sincerity of true spiritual seekers, invoking the prophet Abraham (Khalil). Unlike the self-worshippers who cannot endure separation from their worldly comforts, a true seeker finds sustenance only in the divine presence, feeling that any earthly morsel chokes them if consumed without beholding God.

0

1

Updated 2026-05-09

Contributors are:

Who are from:

References


Tags

Humanities

Literature

Islam

Religion

Science

Philosophy

Social Science

Persian Literature Prerequisite Course

Related