M6:4016 — نه فراق قطع بهر مصلحت / که آمنست از هر فراق آن منقبت

Translation: This separation is not a severance for expediency's sake, For that soul of noble rank is secure from any true separation. Meaning: Rumi emphasizes that the separation experienced by spiritual adepts is not a cutting off from the Beloved, but a divine expedient (maslahat) to preserve and strengthen their spiritual essence, as those of high spiritual station are safe from genuine severance.

This verse from the sixth book of the Masnavi, as I have previously noted, sometimes presents a dense and abstruse language in Rumi's later works, and this couplet is one such instance that has seen various interpretations. However, with careful consideration, its meaning becomes clear.

Rumi here alludes to a profound and subtle point: the separation (firaq) experienced by those of high spiritual station should not be understood as a 'cutting off' or 'severance' from the Divine, nor as a sign of divine wrath. This separation is 'for expediency's sake' (bahr-i maslahat); it is a wise divine contrivance for the preservation and nurturing of the seeker's soul. Ordinary people might perceive separation as abandonment or anger, but the gnostic (ʿarif) knows that their firaq is not due to a cutting off, but to a divine wisdom.

I liken this to the analogy of the sun and snow: 'For the survival of that soul-like body, the sun for a moment withdraws itself from the snow.' Just as the sun temporarily withholds its rays from snow to prevent it from melting, God too might temporarily place a human soul in shadow to prevent it from being overwhelmed or consumed by the intense effulgence of divine light – or, to put it another way, to save it from an emotional upheaval it cannot bear, which would cause its very being to dissolve. This temporary withdrawal is not a sign of anger, but rather an act of grace and benevolence for the soul's continued existence.

This state can also be observed in the life of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, when he would say to Aisha, 'Kallimini ya Humayra' (Speak to me, O Humayra). He, whose words and wisdom intoxicated the entire world, would momentarily distance himself from the peak intensity of spiritual experiences and connection with the divine realm to converse with his wife. This return to earthly matters was a 'respite' and a temporary 'cooling down' from the fervor of the higher world, not a weakness in his prophetic station, but a way to recover and prepare for subsequent spiritual flights. This is Rumi's own 'Kallimini ya Humayra,' necessary for the survival of a soul that also possesses a 'body-like' aspect.

Therefore, the phrase 'For that soul of noble rank is secure from any true separation' means that the one who possesses 'manqabat' (noble rank) – that is, one endowed with virtues and excellent qualities – is safe from any genuine separation or expulsion from the divine presence. Their separation is merely apparent and expedient, veiled by divine wisdom.

Key takeaways

• The separation of saints from God is not anger or severance, but a divine strategy.
• This temporary detachment is 'for expediency's sake' (bahr-i maslahat), aimed at preserving and strengthening the seeker's soul.
• Like the sun withdrawing from snow to prevent its melting, God protects the soul from the direct blaze of divine lights.
• The Prophet's 'Kallimini ya Humayra' experience exemplifies this temporary retreat for recovery and readiness.
• Those of high spiritual rank are secure from any true separation or expulsion from the divine presence.