M6:1910 — رقعه‌ای شکلش چنین رنگش چنین / بس بخوان آن را به خلوت ای حزین

Translation: A roqʿeh (note/scrap of paper) whose form is thus, whose color is thus, Read it much in solitude, O ḥazīn (sorrowful one). Meaning: This verse conveys a divine instruction to a Sufi in a visionary state: find a specific note or scroll with certain characteristics, and read it extensively in complete solitude, to uncover its hidden message or spiritual guidance.

Here, Rumi narrates the story of a Sufi who receives an instruction in a truthful, divine vāqeʿa—a profound vision far exceeding ordinary dreams, immune to falsehood. This instruction illustrates how profound gnosis is acquired in the mystical realm, often bypassing conventional means of knowledge.

The hātif (a voice from the unseen) commands the Sufi: “Seek a roqʿeh amidst the scribblings of booksellers.” This means to search among the discarded papers and scraps of scribes and booksellers for a specific roqʿeh, a piece of paper or a written note. However, this is no ordinary discovery. The hātif emphasizes that the Sufi must obtain this roqʿeh “secretly from the bookseller who is your neighbor; lay your hand upon his scraps of paper.” This insistence on secrecy underscores the depth and purity of the message; true knowledge is not a commodity for public trade.

The description “whose form is thus, whose color is thus” implies that this roqʿeh is distinct from other papers, bearing a divine sign perceivable only by the genuine seeker. More importantly, the instruction follows: “Read it much in solitude, O ḥazīn.” After obtaining this roqʿeh, the Sufi must withdraw from the clamor and crowd and read it repeatedly, only in solitude. This 'solitude' (khilvat) highlights the critical importance of individual contemplation and the absence of partners in receiving sacred messages. Pure knowledge is not shared; each person must confront it personally.

The address “O ḥazīn” (O sorrowful one) is deeply significant. Rumi addresses this grieving Sufi. This grief is not worldly sorrow, but rather the “green sorrow” of mysticism, the pain of separation and the longing for reunion. This indicates that the roqʿeh's message is for a heart afflicted by separation, yearning for comforting knowledge. Indeed, this divine message is his predestined portion (rizq-i muqaddar), and even if it becomes known, “no one else will gain a jot from it.” This refers to the esoteric and inner nature of this message, signifying that true knowledge is an exclusive provision for thirsty souls.

Key takeaways

• True knowledge sometimes reaches the seeker through veridical visions (vāqeʿāt) or profound dreams, not conventional means.
• Divine messages are often concealed in unassuming and unexpected forms, such as a mere 'scrap of paper' (roqʿeh).
• Receiving and understanding divine messages demands complete solitude, without any partnership in acquiring this knowledge.
• The address 'O ḥazīn' (O sorrowful one) indicates that these messages are specifically for hearts afflicted by yearning, not for all hearts.
• Authentic knowledge is a predestined and exclusive provision for the sincere seeker; others cannot partake in it.