M6:1659 — ور نبودی دیده‌های صنع‌بین / نه فلک گشتی نه خندیدی زمین

Translation: If there were no eyes to behold divine artistry, Neither would the heavens turn, nor would the earth smile (blossom). Meaning: This verse posits that the cosmos's rotation and the earth's beautiful manifestations are created for the discerning human being; as if the very meaning and vitality of the universe are contingent upon our deep perception and understanding.

This profound verse by Mowlana speaks to humanity's unique and distinguished place in creation, a position many of us remain oblivious to. Mowlana suggests that the vast and astonishing cosmos, without a discerning beholder and an awakened heart, would be incomplete and meaningless. I can clarify this point with an analogy Mowlana himself provides: just as a teacher's fervor stems from eager and intelligent students, and a lutenist who finds no ear for their music feels their instrument to be a burden, so too is creation meant for eyes that understand and appreciate it. God, who never acts in vain, has created this world for intelligence and heart; for those who can receive its tidings and warnings.

I firmly believe that Mowlana's 'eyes that behold divine artistry' (دیده‌های صنع‌بین) do not refer merely to physical sight, but to the 'eyes of intellect' (دیده‌های عقل) and inner insight; an intelligence and heart capable of perceiving the Creator's hand in every phenomenon. Without this comprehension and vision, neither would the heavens turn (continuing their rotation without purpose), nor would the earth 'smile' (blossom into spring). The earth's smile and the heavens' turning are for those who grasp their depth and meaning.

Here, Mowlana alludes to the famous sacred tradition, 'Lau Laka, lama khalaqtu al-aflak' (If it were not for you, I would not have created the heavens). While this Hadith is likely fabricated, and I have addressed its dubious authenticity elsewhere, Mowlana offers an unparalleled interpretation of it here. He interprets this 'breath of Lau Laka' not as the creation's dependency on the physical existence of a single person, but as its dependency on the existence of a 'sharp eye' (چشم تیز) and an 'observer' (نظار). This implies that God created the heavens because there was someone in this world who could comprehend the secret of creation; an existence endowed with the capacity for insight and the observation of divine artistry. This underscores humanity's exalted station in existence; humanity is not the center, but the comprehending agent of the center.

Unfortunately, as Mowlana notes, many people 'have no care for the love of divine artistry' (پروای عشق صنع حق). 'The common folk, from their love of bedfellow and food, / How could they care for the love of divine artistry?' Engulfed in material and carnal pleasures, they remain unaware of divine artistry and the secrets of creation. Hence, heaven and earth remain meaningless and un-mysterious to them. This verse is an invitation to awaken those 'eyes that behold divine artistry' and ascend to our 'exalted human station'.

Key takeaways

• The meaning and functioning of the cosmos depend on the perception and understanding of the discerning human.
• "Eyes that behold divine artistry" refers to intellectual and spiritual insight, not mere physical sight.
• The existence of a comprehending human grants purpose and splendor to creation; God creates nothing in vain.
• Mowlana interprets the 'Lau Laka' Hadith to signify humanity's exalted and understanding station.
• Ignorance of 'divine artistry' leaves the world meaningless and un-mysterious for many.