M2:3362 — تا از آن راهت نسیمی می‌رسد / آب رحمت را چه بندی از حسد

This couplet comes during a powerful admonition, likely directed at someone who, despite having received spiritual insight or a 'breeze' of divine grace, is now acting with envy towards others. The 'path' (آن راه) refers to the spiritual path or the way of divine connection. The 'breeze' (نسیمی) signifies a subtle, yet real, touch of divine inspiration, guidance, or mercy that the individual is still experiencing. Even with this ongoing connection, the individual is accused of 'blocking the water of mercy' (آب رحمت را چه بندی) from others due to 'envy' (حسد).

The imagery of 'water of mercy' is crucial here. In Sufi thought, divine mercy (rahmat) is often likened to life-giving water, essential for spiritual growth and sustenance. To 'block' this water implies not just withholding kindness or aid, but actively preventing the divine flow from reaching others, perhaps through criticism, judgment, or creating obstacles for their spiritual progress. Rumi's question is rhetorical and sharp: given that you yourself are still benefiting from divine grace, how can you justify such an envious and obstructive attitude towards others? It highlights the hypocrisy and spiritual blindness of such an act.