Quatrain 67 from Rubaiyat of Rumi

By hamed @hamed | 15 1

لاحول ولا دور کند آن غم راگر دیو رسد جان بنی آدم را


آن کز دم لاحول ولا غمگین شدلا حول ولا فزون کند آن دم را


Description:

English Translation of the Quatrain

Neither 'There is no power but in God' nor 'There is no repelling force' can remove that sorrow,
If a demon attacks the soul of a human.

The one who became sad by saying 'There is no power but in God,'
Neither 'There is no power but in God' nor 'There is no repelling force' will increase that moment.

Analysis of the Quatrains

The Powerlessness of Words: The phrase "There is no power but in God" (La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah) is a common Islamic supplication, but the poet suggests that even this powerful invocation cannot always alleviate deep sorrow.
The Depth of Sorrow: The image of a demon attacking the soul implies a deep-seated and overwhelming sorrow.
The Limitations of Language: The repetition of the phrase "There is no power but in God" highlights the limitations of language in addressing profound emotional pain.


hamed
@hamed Nov. 19, 2024, 6:54 p.m.

Deeper Meanings

This quatrain, like much of Rumi's poetry, can be interpreted on multiple levels:

The Limits of Human Understanding: The poem suggests that there are experiences and emotions that transcend human understanding and cannot be fully expressed or alleviated through words or prayers.
The Nature of Suffering: The poet explores the depth and intensity of human suffering, suggesting that even deep faith cannot always protect one from pain.
The Mystical Experience: The quatrain can be seen as a reflection on the mystical experience, where the individual may encounter states of consciousness that are beyond rational explanation.