M6:1990 — ای ضیاء الحق حسام‌الدین برانش / کز ملاقات تو بر رسته‌ست جانش

Translation: O Ḥosām-al-Dīn, O Light of Truth, drive it (my soul) away, For its very life has sprouted forth from meeting you. Meaning: In this verse, Mawlānā expresses his profound devotion to Ḥosām-al-Dīn, portraying himself as a lover so attached that even if his beloved were to cast him out, he could not leave, for his soul has found new life through this encounter.

Here, Mawlānā addresses Ḥosām-al-Dīn Chalabī, the scribe and inspiration behind the Masnavi, with striking clarity and unvarnished emotion. We understand that Ḥosām-al-Dīn served as a 'veil' (roopush) for Mawlānā, allowing him to address and speak of Shams-e Tabrīzī. This couplet offers a pure image of Mawlānā's profound infatuation and devotion, reflecting how great spiritual figures find their true voice and unveil their deepest affections only in the presence of their beloved.

Mawlānā likens himself to a pigeon accustomed to Ḥosām-al-Dīn's roof, with its wings 'sewn' (par-dukhate)—rendering it incapable of flight or departure. He says, 'drive it away' (berānesh), only to imply immediately in the subsequent verses that such an act would be futile. The very life (jānash) of this pigeon—Mawlānā himself—has 'sprouted forth' (bar raste ast) from his encounter with Ḥosām-al-Dīn. This 'sprouting' signifies not merely renewed life, but a flourishing and growth, drawing sustenance from the deep roots of his connection to the Beloved. He lacks the power to leave; indeed, even if driven away, the bird of his soul would instinctively circle the Beloved's roof. All his spiritual nourishment and life-giving sustenance (chīne va naql) are found on this very roof. He soars and flies, yet is 'intoxicated by your trap' (mast-e dām-e tost); this 'trap' is the snare of love, which brings intoxication and surrender, not mere captivity.

Mawlānā’s profound humility towards Ḥosām-al-Dīn, who himself was a devoted disciple, is remarkable. This is the language of absolute devotion, where the lover perceives himself as utterly insignificant and powerless before the Beloved. Should the soul, even hypothetically, for a moment deny this love or attempt to stray, the 'constable of love' (shahne-ye eshq)—that stern and zealous guardian of existence—would instantly place a 'bowl of fire' upon its chest, calling it back. This 'fire' is not punishment but the very yearning and anxiety of separation from the Beloved, which propels the lover toward reunion. The call resounds: 'Come to the moon, pass through the dust! The king of your love calls you; return quickly!' This symbolizes the Beloved's eternal attraction, correcting any deviation with an irresistible pull. In this realm, abandoning the Beloved is not only impossible, but even the thought of escaping their remembrance is inconceivable. This expression captures the essence of Mawlānā's love, where separation from the Beloved is never an option, for the very core of the lover's being is rooted in the Beloved's presence.

Key takeaways

• Mawlānā likens himself to a 'sewn-winged' pigeon, ensnared and intoxicated by the love of Ḥosām-al-Dīn (who mirrors Shams).
• The verse expresses Mawlānā's profound humility towards Ḥosām-al-Dīn, elevating him to the status of a spiritual beloved.
• This couplet reinforces Ḥosām-al-Dīn's role as the 'veil of Shams,' enabling Mawlānā to express his passionate love.
• The command 'drive it away' juxtaposed with the admission of having 'sewn wings' illustrates the depth of attachment: 'Whatever you do, I will not be separated from you.'
• The 'sprouting of life' from encountering the Beloved symbolizes the life-giving nature of meeting spiritual guides and their pivotal role in the path of love.
• The imagery of the 'constable of love' and the 'bowl of fire' signifies that love has a zealous guardian who never permits the lover to deviate from the path of devotion.