M6:2720 — در مدزد آن روی مه از شب روان / سرمکش زین جوی ای آب روان

Translation: Do not steal away that moon-face from the night-farers; withdraw not from this stream, O flowing water. Meaning: In this verse, Rumi implores the Divine Beloved not to conceal its presence from the seekers and not to withhold its grace, for its presence illuminates the darkest nights of life and quenches thirsty hearts.

The concept of naqd-i ḥāl (the cash of the present moment) and seizing the immediate presence of the Divine is a central teaching in Sufism, particularly in Rumi's Masnavi. The discourse revolves around whether we grasp the 'cash in hand' or cling to the 'credit' of future promises. Sufis and mystics have always emphasized that what is immediately and unmediatedly present in our ḥāl (spiritual state) is far more valuable than any future promise, even if that 'cash' manifests as a 'slap' from the Beloved, while the 'credit' is 'a hundred dirhams' of sweetness! What truly matters is that unmediated presence, not its apparent quality. This verse is understood within this very framework.

In this beyt, Rumi elevates the mundane conversation between a miserly master and a Sufi concerning 'cash' versus 'credit' to a higher plane; it transforms into a dialogue between the divine Lover and the Beloved. He implores the Divine Beloved not to withhold its presence from the shab-ravān (night-farers)—that is, the seekers and wayfarers who are in the darkness of ignorance and longing. The rūy-i mah (moon-face) here is a metaphor for the beautiful manifestation and presence of God. This moon should not only shine in the night and guide the night-farers but also should not hide itself from them. This is an eternal plea: O Beloved, do not withhold your presence from those who seek you!

Similarly, Rumi asks the āb-i ravān (flowing water) of divine grace and bounty not to sar makash (turn away) and not to conceal itself from this 'stream' which constitutes the life of the thirsty. This parched stream is thirsty for the rain of His mercy. If that moon-face does not shine and this flowing water does not flow, our night remains in darkness, and the field of our soul remains dry and barren. Rumi explicitly states that the most important thing for the seeker is to know that the Beloved 'is, is present, is immediate, and is by our side.' Whether His presence manifests as grace or wrath, whether it appears with sweetness or with the bitterness of a 'slap,' what matters is that it signifies 'presence.' It is this presence that illuminates our night and makes the field of our heart lush and green. Just as the greenery and freshness of a field signal hidden rain, the ecstasy and joy of a Gnostic are signs of God's presence and hidden grace.

Key takeaways

• The immediate, unmediated presence of the Divine, even if seemingly harsh, is more valuable than future promises.
• The Divine Beloved is implored not to withhold its presence and grace from seekers thirsting for truth.
• The 'moon-face' and 'flowing water' are metaphors for divine manifestation and mercy, illuminating the dark path of night-farers.
• The presence of 'flowing water' and 'hidden rain' is revealed through the lushness and vitality of the heart's field.
• The Sufi emphasis on naqd-i ḥāl: seizing the 'now' and the divine presence within it.