M6:1530 — جمله کفار آن زمان ساجد شدند / هم سری بود آنک سر بر در زدند

Translation: All the infidels, at that time, prostrated themselves; there was a secret wisdom (sirr) in their bowing down at the threshold. Meaning: This verse alludes to the story of the Satanic Verses, where infidels prostrated due to a seemingly polytheistic utterance. Rumi suggests that even in such an outwardly erroneous event, a hidden divine wisdom (sirr) was at play.

In this verse, Rumi alludes to one of the most famous, yet controversial, narratives in early Islamic history: the story of the 'Satanic Verses' (Gharaniq). This account posits that Satan caused the Prophet to utter words that referred to the idols of the polytheists as 'Gharaniq al-Ula' (exalted cranes or high-flying birds), which led the Quraish idolaters to prostrate alongside the Muslims.

I have consistently emphasized that Rumi is fundamentally neither a philosopher of history nor a historian. He utilizes historical events, regardless of their factual accuracy, as allegories to convey deeper existential and epistemological truths. In my view, Rumi is not engaging in historiography here; rather, he employs this narrative—which, it must be noted, has been challenged in terms of its authenticity by most Sunni and Shi'a exegetes and traditionists since the seventh century AH—to unveil a higher wisdom. Dr. Seyyed Ja'far Shahidi, a distinguished scholar and historian, also rejected the historical authenticity of this narrative fifty years ago, deeming it unreliable. However, Rumi does not delve into these historical or theological debates, for his concern lies elsewhere. He seeks to convey that even if such an event transpired, a 'sirr' (secret wisdom) was embedded within it.

What is this 'sirr,' this hidden wisdom? Rumi suggests that even God's permission for Satan to create such a 'fitna' (temptation or strife) harbored an underlying expediency. This world is a 'shop of unity' (دکان وحدت), and anything perceived as other than the One is ultimately an 'idol.' Even if something outwardly deviates from the path of unity, it remains part of the divine, wise order. The Prophet himself commanded the deletion of these verses, and the matter concluded. So, what is our duty? Rumi advises: 'Be with Solomon, and consult not the demons' (با سلیمان باش و دیوان را مشور). This means: follow the Prophet's instruction and guidance, and do not entangle yourself in the meticulous and complex theological debates that revolve around the periphery. Follow the countenance and hand of the one who issues the command, and pay no heed to the 'whys' and 'hows' of the 'demons.'

This perspective, in a sense, recalls my discussion regarding the 'tamanna' (desires or aspirations) of the prophets; how even the prophets' noble aspirations (such as the Prophet Muhammad's desire for all people to believe, which the Quran refers to as a 'satanic' aspiration) or Jonah's anger towards his people, could be subject to satanic interference or deviation from the rightful path. Yet, in each of these instances, a wisdom is embedded that ultimately leads to perfection and maturity. Therefore, what appears outwardly as a lapse or 'fitna,' from Rumi's sapiential perspective, is a part of the grand divine plan, carrying within its essence a 'sirr' that guides us toward the absolute Truth.

Key takeaways

• Rumi uses historical events, regardless of their factual accuracy, as allegories to convey deeper existential and epistemic truths.
• In the narrative of the 'Satanic Verses,' even an outwardly erroneous event contains a divine 'sirr' (hidden wisdom) orchestrated by God.
• Divine wisdom even permits Satan to instigate 'fitna' (temptation or strife), as these trials ultimately contribute to perfection.
• The believer's duty is to follow the Prophet's guidance and commands (symbolized by Solomon) rather than becoming entangled in controversial theological or historical minutiae.
• Rumi's world is a 'shop of unity'; every 'non-unity' is ultimately an 'idol,' and every apparent 'fitna' is part of the singular divine plan.