M6:1150 — بد ز رنجوریش خواجه‌ش بی‌خبر / که بر او بد کساد و بی‌خطر

Translation: His master was unaware of his suffering, / For he was worthless and unimportant to him. Meaning: This verse states that Hilal's master was completely oblivious to his slave's illness and pain, simply because he deemed Hilal to be of no value or significance.

This verse recounts the sickness of a slave named Hilal and his master's utter unawareness of his condition. It's a profound narrative where Mawlana unveils the stark disparities between worldly and divine systems of valuation. The phrase 'his master was unaware' (خواجه‌ش بی‌خبر) stems not from physical distance, but from Hilal's perceived insignificance in the master's eyes. Mawlana explicitly states: 'For he was worthless and unimportant to him' (که بر او بد کساد و بی‌خطر). Here, 'worthless' (کساد) implies unsaleable or without market value, while 'unimportant' (بی‌خطر) signifies lack of consequence, contrasting with amr-i khaṭīr (a grave matter). This master remains ignorant even as Hilal, 'a good person' (محسنی), lies ill in a stable for nine days.

This spiritual blindness originates from a crookedness in the master's perception and understanding, as Mawlana notes elsewhere: 'If one crooked hair veils the heavens / What if all your parts are crooked?' (موی کج چون پرده گردون شود / گر همه اجزات کج شد چون شود). This internal distortion causes Hilal's inherent worth, which is precious in the divine eye, to appear 'worthless and unimportant' in the master's perception.

This master's ignorance stands in stark contrast to the Prophet Muhammad's prophetic awareness. Divine revelation ('wahi') 'betrayed his condition' (غماز حال), informing the Prophet of Hilal's illness. Here, divine and human values supersede material and utilitarian ones. The master dismisses the slave due to his lack of usefulness or social standing, while God and His Prophet honor him due to his inherent humanity and suffering. This dichotomy is a cornerstone of Mawlana's worldview: the overlooking of true human values in favor of superficial worldly appearances and criteria. This narrative is not merely a critique of class-based or profit-driven value systems; it is clear testimony that in the divine gaze, no soul is 'worthless and unimportant.' All souls are held in esteem by the Truth, even if ignored by the world's masters. Thus, this is not a simple report; it is an articulation of the divine perspective on the human condition and a profound critique of distorted human perception.

Key takeaways

• Worldly perspectives value individuals based on utility or social status, neglecting their inherent worth.
• The master's ignorance of Hilal's suffering stems from a profound inner blindness and distorted perception, not mere inattention.
• The divine gaze recognizes no being as 'worthless and unimportant,' acknowledging and valuing the suffering of every soul.
• The central theme of this verse is the stark contrast between divine awareness (through revelation) and worldly ignorance.
• Mawlana, through this narrative, offers a deep critique of superficial human judgment and valuation criteria.