M6:50 — پس بنای خلق بر اضداد بود / لاجرم ما جنگییم از ضر و سود

Translation: Thus, the foundation of creation was upon opposites; inevitably, we are combative, driven by loss and gain. Meaning:* This verse asserts that because the very fabric of existence is built upon opposing forces, human nature, as a part of this world, is inherently contentious, fueled by considerations of benefit and detriment.

This verse follows Rumi’s discourse on the "natural war, active war, and verbal war" unfolding among the constituents of the cosmos; a fearsome conflict that pervades all existence. Rumi states, with unflinching certainty, that the very foundation of creation is built upon "opposites" (aḍdād). This is a profound ontological observation: the universe is structured upon antitheses and tensions. Consider the four elements, water and fire, each capable of destroying the other. This inherent antagonism, in fact, underpins the stability of the world.

From this cosmological truth, Rumi immediately pivots to humanity. We, being a part of this nature and a fragment of this world, inevitably inherit this combative disposition. "Inevitably, we are combative, driven by loss and gain"; this struggle within us runs deeper than momentary decisions. We are fundamentally prone to conflict, and the primary driver of these battles at the micro-human level is the concern for "loss and gain" (ẓar o sūd)—the fear of losing and the desire to acquire, the dread of detriment and the craving for benefit.

Rumi then makes a moral-pedagogical leap. He suggests that one who is perpetually at odds with others should look within. How can one, whose "states are contradictory to each other," find harmony with another? "Since I constantly strike my own path [i.e., struggle with myself], how can I make peace with others?" Our external conflicts are often projections of our internal struggles. It is here that Rumi urges humanity, instead of occupying itself with the "war of others," to address its "own war" and understand and resolve this "heavy war" within. Liberation from strife with others begins with peace within oneself. This is not merely a psychological insight but reveals the depth of his mystical perspective, which traces the roots of global issues back to the human soul.

And of course, these conflicts, both cosmic and human, are not without a master for the awakened mystic. Rumi, in preceding verses, had noted that "our war and our peace, in reality, / are not from us, they are between the two fingers [of God]" (bayn al-iṣbaʿayn). This implies that while the world's structure is built on opposites, and we are subject to this structure, for those with discerning eyes, even this inherently contentious nature of the world and humanity falls within the domain of Divine providence and control.

Key takeaways

• The foundation of creation is built upon inherent opposites and conflicts.
• Human nature, as a part of this cosmos, possesses an inherently combative disposition.
• Human conflicts are primarily driven by considerations of personal loss and gain.
• Rumi views external battles as projections of humanity's internal struggles and contradictions.
• The path to freedom from external strife lies in understanding and resolving one's profound inner conflicts.
• For the mystic, even these inherent oppositions and struggles are ultimately within the sphere of Divine providence and control.