M6:2164 — هم‌چنان تا دور و طور مصطفی / با ابوجهل آن سپهدار جفا

Translation: And so it continued, epoch by epoch, to the era and way of Mustafa (Prophet Muhammad) / With Abu Jahl, that commander of injustice. Meaning: Rumi observes the enduring historical conflict between truth and falsehood, culminating in the opposition between Prophet Muhammad and Abu Jahl.

Human history, in my view and in Rumi's exposition, is replete with battles between fundamental opposites: truth and falsehood, justice and injustice, light and darkness. This verse stands as a clear testament to this assertion. By referencing the confrontation between Prophet Muhammad, Mustafa, and Abu Jahl, the 'commander of injustice' (sepahdār-i jafā), Rumi situates this conflict within a continuous lineage of foundational historical antagonisms, which began with Cain and Abel, continued through Abraham and Nimrod, and then Moses and Pharaoh.

The central point in Rumi's understanding of these conflicts is that he does not view them as mere isolated, historical incidents that occurred in the past and have concluded. Rather, Rumi perceives these as continuous manifestations of a cosmic and internal principle that ultimately leads to divine knowledge. I have repeatedly emphasized that in interpreting Quranic narratives, Rumi tells us, for instance, that 'Moses and Pharaoh reside within your own being'; meaning these adversarial forces are present within each of us, and their struggle endures. This verse, too, invites us to seek the 'epoch and way of Mustafa' and the 'injustice of Abu Jahl' not merely in history books, but within the expanse of our own souls.

In each of these historical confrontations, God intervenes in some manner to separate truth from falsehood. For Abraham and Nimrod, fire acted as the divine arbiter and 'servant' (nakar); for Moses and Pharaoh, the waters of the sea became the judge to distinguish who would endure and who would prevail. In the case of the Prophet and Abu Jahl, although Rumi does not explicitly mention a nakar here, the context clearly implies that divine judgment will ultimately manifest in favor of Mustafa. These historical struggles impart profound lessons and secrets for inner spiritual journeying and the realization of truth.

The phrase 'daur o taur-e Mustafa' refers not only to his historical era but also to his method, character, spiritual path, and conduct, which stand in direct opposition to the 'injustice' (jafā) of Abu Jahl. This verse serves as a reminder that the conflict between truth and falsehood is not confined to the past but is alive and flowing in our present, and discerning it remains the duty of all seekers.

Key takeaways

• Human history is an ongoing arena for the battle between truth and falsehood.
• The conflict between the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Jahl is a continuation of earlier struggles like Abraham/Nimrod and Moses/Pharaoh.
• Rumi interprets these historical antagonisms as cosmic manifestations leading to divine knowledge.
• The struggle between truth and falsehood occurs not only in history but also within every human soul.
• 'The epoch and way of Mustafa' signifies the Prophet's conduct and method in opposition to injustice.