M6:1589 — امرهم شوری بخوان اندر صحف / یار را باش و مگوش از ناز اف

Translation: Read 'their affairs are [decided by] consultation among themselves' in the scriptures; Be with the Beloved, and do not listen to empty prattle. Meaning: This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking true counsel and guidance from inner, authentic sources, rather than from superficial and deceptive words. Rumi invites us to consult with the true Beloved (God or Truth) and detach from trivialities.

This verse is situated within a broader discourse where Rumi elucidates the hidden wisdom inherent in sorrow and adversity. I have often emphasized Rumi's profoundly distinct perspective on pain and joy. He states: "Have you tasted the joy of laughter, O heedless laugher? / Taste the joy of weeping, for that is a sugar mine." This signifies that true pleasure and authentic flavor are not found in superficial laughter, but in tears that well up from gnosis and the pain of separation—tears that cleanse the soul and remove its rust. It is in this context that Rumi speaks of: "Laughter is hidden in tears; / Seek treasure in ruins, O simple one." This means that many joys and concealed truths (katīm) are hidden within tears and adverse events. Just as one must seek treasure in ruins, true joys must be discovered within sorrows.

In this realm, where truth defies our superficial expectations, Rumi implores us to "Read 'their affairs are [decided by] consultation' in the scriptures." This is a direct reference to the Holy Quran (42:38), "وَأَمْرُهُمْ شُورَىٰ بَيْنَهُمْ" ("and their affairs are [decided by] consultation among themselves"), which emphasizes consultation in matters. However, Rumi interprets this shūrā not as consultation with others in worldly affairs, but as consultation with Truth itself and the inner essence of things—a consultation that leads one to the "Beloved" (Yār). This Yār is the divine Beloved or ultimate Truth that humanity seeks. In contrast to this genuine shūrā and companionship with the Beloved, Rumi cautions against "naz-af." "Naz-af" can be a metaphor for idle, seductive words, or anything that diverts one from the path of truth. This is the very "clamor" of the world of forms that keeps us distant from the "sea" of meaning.

Thus, this verse offers a profound mystical instruction: to receive true guidance and attain hidden joys and treasures, one must open one's inner eye to esoteric truths, never neglect consulting with the "Beloved," and disregard the empty, baseless words of worldly appearances (naz-af). This embodies Rumi's teaching of "maḥw mībāyad, na naḥw"—effacement, not grammar; swimming in the sea of truth, not drowning in the grammar of appearances. This path is one of "formlessness" (bī-ṣūratī) which transcends "form"; just as water is formless in various vessels yet takes their shape, or light is colorless yet reveals all colors. Rumi suggests that to comprehend truths, one must be with the "Beloved" and remain indifferent to the tempting whispers of "naz-af"—for "Taste is in sorrows; they have lost the track; / They have taken the Water of Life into darkness." This implies that the Water of Life is found in darkness and suffering, yet people have lost their way and do not seek it there. This verse is an invitation to a more discerning and inward-looking perspective on reality.

Key takeaways

• True joy and spiritual treasures are hidden within hardships and sorrows, not in superficially appealing appearances.
• Genuine consultation means seeking guidance from absolute Truth or the 'Beloved,' not merely from human sources or external appearances.
• The Holy Quran, even through a single verse (42:38, 'Amruhum Shura'), can serve as a wellspring for profound mystical reflections.
• One must refrain from listening to baseless words and empty temptations ('naz-af') to maintain focus on Truth and the Beloved.
• This verse invites an inner, holistic perspective on existence that transcends superficiality and attachment to appearances.