M6:1869 — نوبت زنگست رومی شد نهان / این شبست و آفتاب اندر رهان

Translation: Now is the turn of rust/darkness, the Roman (fairness/light) has hidden. This is night, and the sun is on its way. Meaning: This verse describes the current state of the world as a time of multiplicity and obscured truth, where virtue and unity are hidden while their opposites prevail. Yet, it also holds the promise that this "night" is temporary, and the "sun" of unity and clarity is inevitably approaching.

I believe that in this verse, Rumi offers a profound allegorical depiction of the state of this world, a realm defined by multiplicity and conflict. As the Masnavi frequently asserts, "This world subsists by means of this strife," referring to the antagonism of opposites. Every new thing eventually faces decay; every light casts a shadow. This is a world of "a hundred colors" and "a hundred hearts," where "speech weaves a hundred hues among nations," giving rise to countless religions, philosophies, and ethical systems. To expect absolute unity from this world is futile, for its very essence is built upon multiplicity.

This specific verse reiterates this truth: "Now is the turn of rust/darkness, the Roman (fairness/light) has hidden." "Zang" can signify blackness, turbidity, or depravity, while "Rumi" refers to whiteness, beauty, or even fair-skinned people who symbolize light and perfection. This interpretation suggests that it is currently the turn of darkness and corruption to prevail, with light, beauty, and truth receding into concealment. The present world is one where the "wolf" holds sway while "Joseph" is in the well; where "Pharaoh" is king and the "Copts" rule. This is an allusion to periods when the inner truths remain hidden, and deceptive or malevolent appearances dominate.

However, this state is not eternal. Rumi immediately adds, "This is night, and the sun is on its way." This is merely a dark night, and the sun is in transit, on its road, on its way to rise. This phrase carries the promise of an end to this era of darkness and the dominance of multiplicity. In that other world, or in the epoch of unity's manifestation, the "batāna" (the inner lining or essence) will come "to the surface of the garments," and truths will emerge from behind the veil of multiplicity and hiddenness. That day will be when the "Lions of Unity" emerge from their hidden thicket to attack the "pied cows" (symbols of multiplicity and chaos) and slaughter them. On that day, "Truth will manifest its income and expenditure unveiled"; absolute reality will reveal itself without concealment, and the essence of humanity, meaning the Perfect Human, will encompass all existence. This verse, even as it describes the prevalence of multiplicity in this world, keeps alive the hope for the return of unity and the shining forth of the sun of truth.

Key takeaways

• This world is a realm of opposites and multiplicities; absolute unity cannot be expected from it.
• The current era is one where darkness and obscured truths (rust/blackness) prevail, and beauty and light (the Roman) are hidden.
• This state is temporary; it is night, but the sun (truth and unity) is on its way.
• The 'Lions of Unity' are in wait to overcome the 'Wolves of Multiplicity' and replace disunity with oneness.
• On the day of unity's return, the inner essence of all things will be revealed, and the essence of humanity (the Perfect Human) will encompass all existence.