M6:1842 — این متیم نیز زاریها نمود / هم ز میدان اجابت گو ربود

Translation: This mutayyam (passionate lover) also made many lamentations, and swiftly snatched the ball of divine acceptance from the field (of longing). Meaning: The verse illustrates that a devoted lover, through persistent cries and supplications, ultimately receives a divine response and achieves their desired outcome.

This verse emerges from Rumi's discourse on the divine Khafz-o-Raf'; the lowering and raising, or more precisely, the constant transformation of states, echoed in Surah al-Waqi'ah. The very operation of the world and the essence of God are in this perpetual motion of Khafz (lowering, descent) and Raf' (raising, ascent). When Rumi speaks of the mutayyam (passionate lover) who "made many lamentations," it points to this very cycle. Lamentation and entreaty are themselves part of this process of Khafz, which positions the individual for an opening and Raf'.

The term mutayyam is frequently used in the poetry of Mutanabbi, a poet Rumi admired, though Shams-e Tabrizi later forbade him from reading Mutanabbi's Divan. I contend that this ardent lamentation of the lover does not stem from despair or ill-will towards God, but rather constitutes an essential step on the path to union and acceptance. As we observe later in this same discussion, temporary despair can transform into renewed hope. "Snatching the ball from the field of acceptance" signifies achieving one's desire and purpose, and this success is made possible precisely through these lamentations. This is an illustration of the taqallub-e ahvāl (fluctuation of states); at times, one is in Khafz, seemingly cast into a well, and at other times one attains Raf', soaring to the heights. These transformations are not exclusive to individual states but permeate the entire cosmos: from the lowering and raising of earth and sky to the changing seasons and the alternation of day and night, or the health and sickness of our temperament. All of these manifest these two divine attributes.

Therefore, the lover's lament is not a complaint born of weakness, but a propelling force that draws them into the arena of acceptance and empowers them to "snatch the ball." This is not a "lament" born of frailty, but a lament born of longing and desire—a desire that ultimately finds its answer. This lament is not the existential loneliness where one feels abandoned and companionless; rather, it is judā'ī (separation)—separation from one whom you know was, is, and will again embrace you. Thus, this mutayyam, through these very lamentations, like a skilled polo player, snatches the ball of triumph from the field.

Key takeaways

• A lover's lamentation is not a sign of weakness, but a necessary step towards receiving divine acceptance.
• The principle of Khafz-o-Raf' (lowering and raising of states) governs the cosmos and human destiny, linking lamentation to divine response.
• The mutayyam (passionate lover), despite pain and separation, persists in their plea and ultimately achieves their desired outcome.
• This lament is a form of judā'ī (separation), not tanhā'ī (loneliness); it recalls a union that awaits, rather than absolute abandonment.
• Embracing the constant flux and transformations of life (Khafz-o-Raf') is key to achieving fulfillment.
• Success and the attainment of one's goal are the fruits of persistent and unwavering supplication, ultimately leading to "snatching the ball" of victory.