Enhance Your Treatment of Others to Capture Their Hearts
The poem “Enhance Your Treatment of Others to Capture Their Hearts” is regarded as one of the longest and most renowned works by the poet Abu al-Fath al-Busti. It is celebrated for its beauty, eloquence, and profound wisdom. Categorized as a piece of wisdom poetry, it is often referred to as “The Title of Sayings,” beginning with the line “The increase of a man in his worldly life is a decrease.” In this poem, the poet reflects on the vicissitudes of life, urging guidance, advice, and insight, which has prompted many poets to study, explain, and translate it, including into Persian. This article aims to provide a deeper understanding of this remarkable work.
Overarching Themes of the Poem
The poet encourages individuals to focus on reforming their inclinations and souls, emphasizing that the foundation of righteousness begins with the purification of one’s inner self. A person whose soul is virtuous naturally draws others towards them and wins their hearts.
Analysis of Selected Verses
From the First to the Fifth Verse
The increase of a man in his worldly life is a decrease,
And his gain that is not pure goodness is a loss.
All fortunes found lack stability,
For its true meaning is, in fact, loss.
O you who strive in the ruin of time,
Is there indeed any restoration for the ruin of time?
And you, who are keen on accumulating wealth,
Have you forgotten that the joy of wealth brings sorrow?
O servant of the body, how much do you toil to serve it,
Are you seeking profit in what brings loss?
In the opening verses, the poet conveys a crucial wisdom: everything not aimed at pure good leads to regret. He suggests that endeavors without spiritual return ultimately result in nothing beneficial. Addressing those tirelessly working for worldly gains, he warns that such efforts may lead to wasted time and lost opportunity. Finally, he reminds those in pursuit of wealth that accumulation often comes with accompanying sadness and concern about its use and management.
From the Sixth to the Ninth Verse
Focus on your soul and cultivate its virtues,
For you are defined by your soul, not your body.
Disregard the heart’s attachment to worldly adornments,
For their essence is bitter, and connection often leads to estrangement.
Listen carefully to the examples I present,
As they are distinct, much like rubies and pearls.
Enhance your treatment of others to capture their hearts,
For kindness has long enchanted human hearts.
Here, the poet implores people to embrace and develop the virtues of their souls, emphasizing that true humanity lies in good deeds. He advises them to detach from worldly allurements, which ultimately lead to bitterness. The poet calls upon individuals to lend their ears to his wise counsel, offering profound insights akin to precious gems. He underscores that the essence of human relationships relies on kindness and generosity towards others.
From the Tenth to the Fourteenth Verse
Should a wrongdoer err, let there be for you,
In the acknowledgment of their mistakes, forgiveness and grace.
Be a support to those with hope,
For the noble is always a supporter.
Cling to the rope of God for refuge,
For it is the foundation if the foundations forsake you.
Whoever fears God is praised in their outcomes,
And kept safe from the harm of the high and the low alike.
Whoever seeks help from others,
Will find they ultimately fail and fall short.
In these verses, the poet advocates for responding positively to others’ needs, asserting that a true noble individual is one who assists and uplifts their fellow beings. He emphasizes the importance of fortifying one’s connection with God, indicating that diligence paired with faith is crucial for success. The poet also warns against seeking assistance outside of divine guidance, as reliance on others may lead to disappointment.
From the Fifteenth to the Nineteenth Verse
Whoever hoards goodness has in reality,
No true companions or allies.
Whoever generously shares wealth finds all people turn to them,
For wealth can be a seducing force.
Whoever is at peace with others will remain safe from their harm,
And will live content and joyous.
Whoever extends their hand in ignorance towards desires,
Turns a blind eye to the truth while feeling sorrow.
Whoever mingles with others will undoubtedly face hardship,
As human nature is often inclined towards oppression and aggression.
The poet expresses disdain for the trait of stinginess, suggesting that such behavior distances true friends while attracting self-seeking individuals. He promotes the characteristics of generosity and kindness, as these tend to endear the individual to others. Furthermore, he illustrates that those who are peaceful rather than confrontational lead a more contented life, stressing the conditions that maintain one’s dignity among peers.
From the Twentieth to the Twenty-Second Verse
Whoever is ruled by reason will find sovereignty,
And not be dominated by their own greed.
Those who search for friends will discover them lacking,
For true friends in this era are few and far between.
In these lines, the poet highlights that every individual is governed by two forces: the reason and the passions. He asserts that those who are dominated by reason emerge victorious and content, whereas those led by their desires face ruin in both worldly and spiritual aspects. Hence, the poet posits that rational thought is vital for guiding one’s actions.
Rhetorical Devices in the Poem
The poet’s style oscillates between the use of imperative and prohibitive phrases, as shown in “Enhance your treatment of others” and “Do not conceal secrets,” highlighting his desire for guidance and mentorship. He skillfully incorporates interrogative phrases to express surprise and sarcasm, such as “Are you seeking profit in what brings about loss?”. Additionally, the poem features similes and metaphors, such as “Like the shepherd tending sheep,” to enhance clarity and relatability, alongside other techniques like negation in the phrase “not merely a body,” and conditional constructions, among others.