M6:3315 — کو همان‌جا که امید مرد و زن / می‌رود در وقت اندوه و حزن

Translation: Where is that place where the hope of men and women / Turns in times of sorrow and grief? Meaning: This verse points to the ultimate destination of human hope during hardship and sorrow, which is none other than the divine source of mercy and power, towards which all hearts instinctively incline.

Mowlana presents this verse in the ongoing narrative of the lender, who continually asks "koo? koo?" (where? where?) in search of his patron. Dr. Soroush delves into this "koo" by drawing parallels to the dove's lament in Khayyam's poetry. While ostensibly a simple question of location or a plea for a lost entity, for the mystic, and especially for Mowlana, this inquiry into 'where' ultimately points to the primal source of existence and the fount of all perfect attributes.

Soroush explicitly elaborates on this beyt, stating: "When human beings lose hope in resolving their problems and alleviating their grief, their hope's primary locus is there. That 'where?' is that other side, the divine realm." This signifies that in moments of profound despair and sorrow, the human heart, whether consciously or unconsciously, turns towards that ultimate origin and true source of hope. That 'koo' refers, in essence, to "that place where attributes of mercy, power, purity, and wisdom reside"; it is the manifestation point of divine qualities. This is the fount where the heart and intellect, much like a lion in its den, truly belong and find solace.

This inherent, intuitive turning of humanity towards its origin is a foundational theme throughout the Masnavi, echoing in various verses. The "koo" is not merely voiced in grief and sorrow, but in every situation where humanity loses hope in the material world and craves assistance: in illness, when eyes dart in hope of health; in warding off misfortunes, when favorable winds are sought for a ship or rain for crops; and even when the heart makes an inner gesture while the tongue utters invocations like "Ya Hu." All these yearnings ultimately trace back to that primordial "koo," the sole true source of hope and resolution. Mowlana, through this beyt, reveals that every quest ultimately leads to that singular Truth, a movement that is not merely volitional but an intrinsic inclination within the human being.

Key takeaways

• In moments of deep despair, human hope instinctively gravitates towards the true divine source of mercy and power.
• The question "koo?" (where?) outwardly signifies a search for something lost, but inwardly, it is a quest for truth and the origin of all perfect attributes.
• Mowlana transforms "koo" from a common word into a profound spiritual orientation, pointing to the ultimate and singular destination of existence.
• All human aspirations, from seeking health to desiring salvation from peril, are rooted in hope for the unceasing divine power.
• The movement towards the true source of hope is an innate inclination within the human being, manifesting in all circumstances.