Rumi's Masnavi - For this reason the Prophet, who laboured with the utmost zeal (in devotion), applied the name “protector” (mawlá) to himself and to ‘Alí.

For this reason the Prophet, who laboured with the utmost zeal (in devotion), applied the name “protector” (mawlá) to himself and to ‘Alí.

زین سبب پیغامبر با اجتهاد ** نام خود وان علی مولا نهاد

He said, “My cousin ‘Alí is the protector and friend of every one who is under my protection.”

گفت هر کو را منم مولا و دوست ** ابن عم من علی مولای اوست

Who is the “protector”? He that sets you free and removes the fetters of servitude from your feet. 4540

کیست مولا آنک آزادت کند ** بند رقیت ز پایت بر کند

Since prophethood is the guide to freedom, freedom is bestowed on true believers by the prophets.

چون به آزادی نبوت هادیست ** مومنان را ز انبیا آزادیست

Rejoice, O community of true believers: show yourselves to be “free” (pure and noble) as the cypress and the lily;

ای گروه مومنان شادی کنید ** هم‌چو سرو و سوسن آزادی کنید

But do ye, like the gay-coloured garden, at every moment give unspoken thanks to the Water.

لیک می‌گویید هر دم شکر آب ** بی‌زبان چون گلستان خوش‌خضاب

The cypresses and the green orchard mutely thank the water (that nourishes them) and show (silent) gratitude for the justice of Spring:

بی‌زبان گویند سرو و سبزه‌زار ** شکر آب و شکر عدل نوبهار

Clad in (fresh) robes and trailing their skirts, drunken and dancing and jubilant and scattering perfume; 4545

حله‌ها پوشیده و دامن‌کشان ** مست و رقاص و خوش و عنبرفشان

Every part (of them) impregnated by royal Spring, their bodies as caskets filled with pearly fruit;

جزو جزو آبستن از شاه بهار ** جسمشان چون درج پر در ثمار

(Like) Maries, having no husband, yet big with a Messiah; silent ones, wordless and devoid of articulate expression,

مریمان بی شوی آبست از مسیح ** خامشان بی لاف و گفتاری فصیح