This verse speaks of people who adopt the ascetic form and make a show of it and adds that if the Beloved were attainable merely through lip service then the whole world would attain Him. The phrase sārā jag, which literally means, ‘the whole world’, implies a common practice or custom within a society. Typically, ascetics lead a lifestyle of austerity. They don a humble attire and depend on alms for food and sustenance. Thus, states the second line of the verse, through their lifestyle and attire, they make a show of their asceticism and austerity to the rest of the world. However, as discussed in the explanation of the preceding verse, true poverty or al-faqr is more of a metaphysical state, rather than a physical condition. It is not about literally disassociating from dunyā, rather it is about actively engaging in the affairs dunyā with a sense of detachment while remaining focused on the ḥaqīqa. It is certainly not about making a public display and show of asceticism, rather it is about inner detachment from dunyā. This is the message of the second line of this verse. …show more content…
exoteric practices) then the whole world could easily attain Him. Hence, the message of this verse is clear and simple - making a public display of asceticism coupled with dhikr of the tongue is of no avail. The Holy Qur’an speaks of those who pray in an ostentatious manner in the following words: “So woe to the