M6:1041 — زر سرخست او سیه‌تاب آمده / از برای رشک این احمق‌کده

Translation: He is red gold, come in black hue, / For the envy of this fools' abode. Meaning: This verse describes exalted spiritual individuals as pure, radiant gold that has taken on a darkened, unappealing appearance. This is done to protect its true value from the covetousness and ignorance of this world, which is portrayed as an abode of fools.

In this verse, Rumi uses the metaphor of pure gold appearing in a black hue to describe the existential quality of authentic and gnostic individuals. Undoubtedly, this beyt alludes to the story of Bilal and the Jewish merchant, where Bilal, though outwardly a dark-skinned slave, is inwardly a unique and precious gem. I consider this image, without hesitation, to be one of the keys to understanding the nature of God's saints in this world.

"Red gold" in classical literature signified pure, unadulterated gold—gold so refined that it took on a reddish tint. This refers to the immaculate essence and unblemished soul of the perfect human, the gnostic. But why should this pure gold "come in black hue"? Rumi points to two significant meanings here. First, it refers to the method adopted by the Malamatis (the Blameworthy Ones). These mystics, who were themselves paragons of piety and spiritual luminosity, would deliberately and wisely present themselves in a disheveled or even reproachable manner. This "blackening" of their appearance was not due to an inner flaw, but rather to shield themselves from public adulation, the solicitations of worldly seekers, and the temptations of fame. The Malamatis wished to remain undisturbed and unknown, to pursue their path without interference, and to preserve their spiritual radiance for those truly worthy of it.

Second, and complementarily, it refers to a shrewd, worldly stratagem: in times of insecurity and raids by plunderers, people would use a special technique to temporarily blacken their gold and silver, making it appear fake or worthless. This protected it from the greed of invaders. This protective covering ensured that the true gem remained hidden until safety was restored.

Thus, the "black hue" of the red gold is a wise stratagem "for the envy of this fools' abode." This world, which Rumi calls the "abode of fools," is full of truth-ignoring people whose outward eyes can only perceive colors and lack the ability to see the colorless spirit and inner reality. This outward blackness is a veil protecting the true essence of saints and gnostics from the grasping hands of the unworthy, the avarice of truth-deniers, and the disrespect of the ignorant. God's saints are always "of unknown worth"; they are like a hidden pearl in the shell of divine protection. This concealment is not about hiding a defect, but about preserving perfection and safeguarding it from incomplete perceptions. Eyes that only see the seven colors of physical forms will be unable to see the colorless spirit behind this veil. They will mistakenly find the red gold cheap and sell it for a mere nut, like a child, oblivious to the fact that they have lost the true gem.

Key takeaways

• The inner essence of exalted individuals is like pure gold (red gold), radiating with inherent purity.
• The humble and darkened outward appearance (black hue) of mystics is a conscious veil to protect their inner spiritual core.
• This concealment shields gnostics from the greed, envy, and ignorance of worldly people (the "fools' abode").
• Like the Malamatis, God's saints hide their true worth to avoid fame and its temptations, allowing them to pursue their path unhindered.
• The physical eye perceives only colors and forms, incapable of grasping the colorless spirit and deeper reality.