Overview

In Section 5 of the third book of Silsilat al-Dhahab (from the Haft Awrang), Jami outlines the moral duties of a ruler and introduces a controversial distinction between royal discipline and common oppression.

Key Concepts

• Oppression of a King vs. Others: Jami compares royal oppression to the 'slap of a beloved' (seyli-ye habib), which ultimately serves a greater purpose or discipline, whereas common oppression is like the 'scattered blows of a rival' (mosht-e raqib)—destructive and without redeeming value.
• The Ruler as a Shield: Jami emphasizes that God has placed the king on the throne to serve as a shield (separ) against hardship for the people, warning him not to become the very sword of destruction (tigh-e khunfashan) that harms his subjects.
• Eradicating Injustice: The ruler is urged to pull out the roots of tyranny (bikh-e zalem) to preserve the health and longevity of the state.