M6:28 — زاغ در رز نعرهٔ زاغان زند / بلبل از آواز خوش کی کم کند

Translation: The crow in the rose garden utters the caw of crows; will the nightingale ever cease its sweet song? Meaning: This verse asserts that the presence of discordant or unpleasant voices should never deter an authentic, beautiful expression from continuing its natural course, nor diminish its inherent worth.

To my mind, this verse serves as a definitive and clear response to the criticisms and objections that were undoubtedly leveled against Rumi and his composition of the Masnavi. I have frequently pointed out that Rumi perceives this world as the confluence of divine wrath (qahr) and divine grace (lutf)—much like vinegar and honey, which must be mingled to create a balanced sekangabin. This world, indeed, abounds with 'crows' cawing and uttering discordant sounds. These 'crows' symbolize the harsh, unpleasant aspects of existence: critics, adversaries, and even malevolent forces. But should the 'nightingale,' merely due to the presence of these crows, cease its song? The nightingale here is Rumi himself, and its sweet song is the venerable Masnavi. It is the very essence of the nightingale to sing, and its song is an intrinsic part of its being. This essential nature, when confronted with disharmony and unpleasantness, never deviates from its truth, nor does it diminish its quality or perfection. This is both a cosmic law and an existential decree: beauty and truth, even amidst cacophony, persist in their life and expression. It is part of the divine providence (tadbir-e Ilāhī) that for every poison, an antidote has been created; for every impurity, a purifier exists. Therefore, the sweet song, by virtue of this same wise providence, is never diminished; rather, it endures, shining all the brighter and becoming more melodious against the darkness of the crows. Rumi is, in effect, declaring that by divine command, he will persevere in his work—the composition of the Masnavi—even as discordant voices echo around him.

Key takeaways

• The perseverance of truth and beauty in the face of discord and opposition.
• The 'crows' symbolize the harshness and wrathful aspects of the world; the 'nightingale' represents divine grace and melody.
• The Masnavi is Rumi's nightingale-like song, unaffected by criticism.
• This verse emphasizes Rumi's commitment to his spiritual mission, regardless of external circumstances.
• Divine providence ensures the persistence of good and beauty alongside evil and ugliness.