M6:2413 — قصدشان آن کان مسلمان غم خورد / شب برو در بی‌نوایی بگذرد

Translation: Their intention was that that Muslim would grieve, And his night would pass in destitution. Meaning: This verse reveals the hidden, malicious intent of the two non-Muslim companions: they wished for their Muslim fellow traveler, who was fasting and hungry, to spend the entire night in sorrow and destitution.

This verse from the Masnavi unveils the hidden intention of the two non-Muslim companions, the Jew and the Christian, in the story of the three travelers. When they find a piece of halwa during their journey and are themselves sated, they ostensibly suggest saving it for their fasting Muslim companion until the next day. However, their true intention, as Mawlana explicitly states here, is that the Muslim should "grieve" and his "night would pass in destitution." This verse perfectly illustrates the contrast between the outward appearance of an action and its inner intention, a dichotomy of fundamental importance in Mawlana's mysticism and Islamic thought. As I have always emphasized, human action is not merely an external form; its essence lies in its intention. Here, the evil intent, even when cloaked in apparent benevolence, is laid bare.

Mawlana portrays the Muslim in this story as being in a "maghlūb" (overpowered/oppressed) state. Being maghlūb not only signifies being subjected to another's will but, at its core, points to an مظلومیت (oppressedness) that, by divine decree, will inevitably be met with hidden assistance. This imposed "destitution" becomes a prelude to a more profound event that unfolds later in the narrative, where the Muslim's "dream" – which is his actual act of eating the halwa at midnight – proves to be more real than the elaborate, fantastical visions of the others. This illustrates that sincere suffering and hunger, far from being mere deprivation, can pave the way for grasping truths that cannot be contained within mere mental imaginings.

This sinister intention of the two companions stems not from a carefree satiety but from envy and malice—a desire to keep the other in a disadvantaged state. This is a realistic portrayal of human egoism, a theme Mawlana frequently explores in the Masnavi. He aims to show that even in the temporary coexistence of humans in this world (which he likens to a caravanserai), hearts can be tainted by intentions that are not outwardly visible. Yet, no intention remains hidden from God and the cosmic order; it ultimately bears fruit, whether good or ill.

Key takeaways

• Outward actions can be deceptive; it is the inner intentions of people that shape destiny.
• Oppression and injustice inflicted upon a believer can be a prelude to divine aid and grace.
• Physical suffering and destitution can sometimes open the path to deeper, more authentic spiritual experiences.
• This verse offers a realistic depiction of egoism and hidden jealousies within the human soul.