M6:1890 — استخوان و موی مقهوران نگر / تیغ قهر افکنده اندر بحر و بر

Translation: Observe the bones and hair of the subjugated; the sword of wrath is cast into the sea and land. Meaning: This verse signifies that the signs of God's wrath and dominance, evident in the suffering and annihilation of the vanquished and weak, are manifest and widespread across all dimensions of the world, from the sea to the land.

I have often elucidated in my discussions of Rumi's worldview that this world, in his perception, is the 'House of the Creator's Wrath' (qahr-khāneh-ye Kerdagār). This is a foundational point that must be thoroughly grasped: the world, by its very nature, is not a place for the full establishment of justice, but rather a domain where wrath and coercion prevail. This verse presents a tangible and unvarnished image of the manifestation of this divine wrath: the 'bones and hair of the subjugated' that we observe are themselves an overt sign of the sword of divine wrath that has descended upon all existence.

Even though it is our duty to strive for justice in this world, it will never attain absolute transparency or fairness. The knowledge of judges is limited, true intentions remain hidden, and many factors, including the lack of basic welfare and mental well-being among people, make the path of justice arduous. This is why Rumi reminds us that whoever chooses this world exclusively and dedicates their heart solely to it will never find contentment and will perpetually find themselves exposed to the wrath of time and the injustice of others. This echoes the point I made regarding the preceding verse: if you 'choose wrath' (i.e., choose this wrathful world), then expect 'wrath.'

This sword of wrath is cast not only upon human lives but also 'into the sea and land' (andar bahr o bar). This expression signifies the boundless universality and encompassing nature of this divine wrath, extending over both land and sea, upon all creatures and beings in the cosmos. To further elaborate this concept, Rumi immediately references, in the next verse, the 'wings and feet of the bird' caught in a trap. These are all 'silent explanations of divine wrath' (sharh-e qahr-e haqq konandeh bi-kalām). We, too, in our own measure, participate in this cycle of nature's wrath; when we slaughter and consume innocent animals for our survival. This demonstrates that divine wrath is a pervasive phenomenon, with a palpable and unspoken presence in all relationships of existence, from the interactions of predators in the wild to our own behaviors.

Key takeaways

• This world, in Rumi's view, is fundamentally the 'House of the Creator's Wrath,' not a place of perfect justice.
• Signs of divine wrath are tangibly manifested in the suffering, subjugation, and annihilation of beings.
• The sword of divine wrath is pervasive, encompassing all realms of existence, from sea to land.
• Humans, through their actions, also participate in this natural cycle of wrath and dominance.
• Choosing this world as one's sole pursuit inevitably leads to perpetual dissatisfaction and a sense of being wronged.