Concept Overview

In Jami's Haft Awrang (specifically in Silsilat al-Dhahab), Section 14 depicts the father's response to his son's query. The father explains that physical beauty and youth are fleeting, using the growth of a beard (rish) as a central metaphor. While the Arabic convention associates the beard with feathers (par), the father warns that these are the very wings with which the bird of beauty flies away into nonexistence ('adam).

Key Metaphors and Imagery

• The Beard as Wings: The beard represents the wings carrying physical charm away.
• The Eyebrow as a Sickle: The curved eyebrow (often compared to a new moon) becomes a sickle harvesting youth.
• The Stature as Dry Wood: The fresh and green youthful stature is transformed into dry wood fit for the axe.

This allegorical discourse highlights the ephemeral nature of outward appearance, directing the seeker's attention away from superficial adoration and toward spiritual permanence.