M6:3632 — غیر آن یک قلعه نامش هش‌ربا / تنگ آرد بر کله‌داران قبا

Translation: Except for that one castle, named Hush-Robā (Mind-Snatcher), it will tighten the cloak upon the wearers of crowns. Meaning: This verse refers to a forbidden castle named "Hush-Robā," warning that entering it will make matters difficult for people of intellect and authority, constricting their capacity for sound judgment.

This verse, found in the sixth book of the Masnavi, is part of the counsel given by a king to his three sons in the story of the king and the princes. The king warns his sons that while they may roam freely throughout his realm, there is one particular castle they must avoid. This forbidden castle bears two names: "Hush-Robā" and "Dhāt al-Ṣuwar." "Hush-Robā" (Mind-Snatcher) alludes to the castle's deceptive and intellect-eroding nature. Whoever enters it will have their intelligence and wisdom plundered, and their guiding faculty will be temporarily suspended. Consequently, they will make judgments and decisions that may not be in their best interest, leading them astray. The castle's other name, "Dhāt al-Ṣuwar" (Owner of Images/Forms), signifies a fortress replete with images and depictions. As Mawlana elaborates, this castle is adorned with frescoes and paintings on all sides—walls, ceiling, and floor. These forms and images so engross a person that no room for reflection or wisdom remains. The phrase "it will tighten the cloak upon the wearers of crowns" is a metaphorical expression, implying that this castle constricts the sphere of action for those endowed with intellect, foresight, and statesmanship (symbolized by "crown-wearers" or "kallehdārān"). This indicates that the castle's deceptive power is not limited to the common folk; even individuals of high intellect and authority are vulnerable to its allure, finding their garment of prudence (qabā) constricting, rendering them incapable of proper action. Mawlana employs the story of Zulaikha and Joseph to further illuminate this allegory. Just as Zulaikha filled her chamber with her own images to ensnare Joseph, so that wherever he looked, he would see her and be compelled to gaze upon her, the castle of Dhāt al-Ṣuwar similarly seizes intellect and wisdom with its alluring forms, blocking any escape. This allegory, in essence, symbolizes the world and its deceptive manifestations that bewitch people, trapping them in its snare. The king, in this context, plays the role of the Divine, cautioning His servants against succumbing to the world's deceptions. However, humans, like these princes, often disregard such warnings. This castle represents the 'nafs-e ammāra' (the commanding self) and the material world, whose forms and desires squander intellect and wisdom, thereby constricting the path for those who claim spiritual sovereignty over their physical selves.

Key takeaways

• The 'Hush-Robā' and 'Dhāt al-Ṣuwar' castle symbolizes the world and the commanding self (nafs-e ammāra).
• The deceptive allure of the world robs one of intellect and halts the faculty of prudence.
• This castle affects not only ordinary people but also 'kallehdārān' (people of intellect and authority), constricting their capacity for sound judgment.
• The allegory of Zulaikha and Joseph clarifies the pervasive and deceptive function of this castle.
• The king's warning implicitly serves as a divine caution against succumbing to worldly deceptions.