M1:323 — کارِ مَردان روشنی و گرمیَست / کارِ دونان حیله و بی‌شرمیَست

Translation: The task of true men is to give light and warmth; the task of the base is trickery and shamelessness. Meaning: This verse articulates the fundamental difference in character between noble individuals and ignoble ones. True men illuminate and warm, while the contemptible are mired in deceit and shamelessness.

This verse, shining brightly within the Masnavi, offers a vivid depiction of the fundamental distinction between spiritual men of meaning and ignoble, worldly souls. Mawlana, with his characteristic decisiveness and clarity, posits that the very nature and effect of individuals stem from their existential core. True men, the very 'friends of God' (Awliyāʾ), those 'suns' of whom he speaks, possess an essence that is inherently warming and illuminating. They are not merely enlightened themselves; they actively radiate light and warmth to others. This 'task' (kār) is not an accidental act but an essential and abiding attribute; it is 'to give light and to give warmth,' not merely 'to have light and warmth.'

I have often stated that in spiritual journeying, companionship plays a pivotal role. As Mawlana says, 'From hearts to hearts it travels on, / From hidden paths, righteousness and grudges.' Associating with dark individuals will inevitably infect your soul with their gloom and cold, much like an iceball drawing heat from its surroundings. Conversely, sitting beside bright-hearted people is akin to basking in the sun's rays. Mawlana provides a precise example: 'For a blind eye sees naught but warmth from the sun.' Even if one lacks the inner vision to perceive the actual light of Truth, one can at least feel and benefit from the warmth of spirituality and divine grace. This warmth itself becomes a source of joy, propelling one towards clearer vision, though a long path to that ultimate destination remains.

Thus, 'men' in Mawlana's parlance are like the sun, which both disperses light and imparts life. On the opposite pole, the 'base' or the ignoble and shameless, are like cold winter nights, bringing darkness and chill. Their actions are devoid of purity and sincerity, tainted with 'trickery and shamelessness.' These base individuals are often those who 'steal the words of dervishes, the ignoble man, / To cast spells with them upon the simple-hearted.' By pilfering divine words and the insights of truth-seekers, they strive to deceive the naive and ambitiously seek dominion. Their work is one of dissimulation and deceit, not of imparting light and warmth. Therefore, the message of this verse is a summons to flee from the dark-hearted and to seek refuge in the shade of the radiant ones in God's garden, who are themselves sources of light and warmth.

Key takeaways

• The core essence of individuals determines their actions and impact.
• True men are sources of spiritual light and warmth for others.
• The base resort to trickery and shamelessness, seeking deceit and ambition.
• Companionship with the virtuous spreads light and warmth to the soul.
• Even if we cannot perceive divine light directly, we can still feel and benefit from its warmth.