M6:3985 — تا بیامد خشت می‌زد در تبوک / با ملک گفتند شاهی از ملوک

Translation: Until he arrived, making bricks in Tabuk; / They told the king: 'A king from among kings [is here]'. Meaning: This verse describes Imru' al-Qays in Tabuk, having renounced his kingship, now humbly engaged in brick-making, yet his regal identity is still recognized by some, who then report it to the local sovereign.

Here, Rumi narrates the story of Imru' al-Qays, the renowned pre-Islamic Arab king and poet, yet his account significantly diverges from historical records. History tells us Imru' al-Qays fled to Rome after failing to avenge his father's death and eventually died there. Rumi, however, crafts a different tale; he transforms Imru' al-Qays into a mystical seeker of truth who has abandoned his kingship and arrived in Tabuk in pursuit of the Divine. It is crucial to my understanding that Rumi operates as a 'creator of narratives,' not merely a 'reporter of history'; he re-imagines stories to convey his profound mystical insights. This characteristic permeates the entire Masnavi.

The verse states that Imru' al-Qays came to Tabuk, a region then under Byzantine rule, and there he was engaged in 'brick-making.' This 'brick-making' symbolizes the utmost humility and a deliberate turn towards simple, anonymous labor, a stark contrast for a king who once resided in the pinnacle of power and splendor. This radical shift, from kingship to manual labor, embodies the zenith of self-renunciation and sacrifice in the 'hunt for love,' as Rumi elaborates in subsequent verses. Through toil and hardship, he seeks a Beloved of a different order.

Yet, what is truly remarkable is that even in this disguised and anonymous state, Imru' al-Qays's essence as 'a king from among kings' remains undisguised. It seems the inner truth and spiritual stature of an individual, even when concealed in the garb of a dervish, will ultimately reveal itself. 'They told the king' that a great monarch, though disguised as a laborer, was present in Tabuk. This report to the local Roman ruler initiates a wondrous narrative that illustrates how love and mystical discipline can transform even the hearts of worldly potentates. As Rumi continues the story, the persuasive power of Imru' al-Qays was such that it captivated the Roman Emperor himself, causing him to forsake his throne and crown. For Rumi, this event serves as testament to his assertion that 'Love has not done this wrong just once,' meaning the power of love to detach individuals from worldly attachments is not a novel act but a recurring phenomenon.

Key takeaways

• Rumi utilizes historical narratives as parables, re-imagining them to convey his profound mystical and ethical truths.
• The renunciation of worldly status and the embrace of anonymity represent a foundational step in the journey of the lover-seeker.
• A person's true inner reality and spiritual nobility will reveal itself, even when cloaked in poverty and humility.
• Love is a transformative force, possessing a power greater than worldly dominions, capable of detaching individuals from their attachments.