M6:2389 — آبی و خاکی و بادی و آتشی / عرشی و فرشی و رومی و گشی

Translation: We are of water, earth, wind, and fire; of the celestial throne and the terrestrial ground; of Rome and Gash (or Kaashan, or other lands). Meaning: This verse points to the astonishing diversity of creation, encompassing the fundamental elements of the cosmos and the human body, the vast expanse from the highest heavens to the earth, and the multiplicity of cultures and lands.

“Of water, earth, wind, and fire; of the celestial throne and the terrestrial ground; of Rome and Gash (or Kaashan, or other lands).” This verse in Mawlana's Mathnawi paints a vivid picture of the singular multiplicity and diversity of existence. This multiplicity manifests not only in the material elements but also in the vast expanse of creation, from the Divine Throne (ʿArsh) to the Earth (Farsh), and across cultural and human geographies.

Mawlana's mention of the four elements – water, earth, wind, and fire – refers to the natural foundations of the world and, indeed, the human body. As I have noted elsewhere, our bodies are composed of these various elements, a fact clearly articulated by ancient natural philosophy. When the soul departs from this body, each constituent part returns to its source and origin. This return to one's essence is a fundamental tenet of Mawlana's thought, permeating the entire Mathnawi: whatever has strayed from its origin will ultimately return to it.

However, the scope of diversity is not confined to material elements alone. "Celestial (ʿArshi) and terrestrial (Farshi)" signifies the endless expanse of creation, from the highest divine realms to the lowest layers of soil. This in itself is a symbol of the comprehensive and all-encompassing divine will in creating beings of varying stations and ranks.

And then, "of Rome (Rumi) and Gash (Gashi)." "Rumi" refers to the people of Rome or Byzantium, which in that era symbolized Christian civilization and, at times, Western culture. "Gashi" could refer to the people of Kashan or other distant lands, contrasting with "Rumi," and signifying the cultural and geographical diversity of the inhabitants of this world. These apparent distinctions remind us of the story of the three travelers (the Jew, the Christian, and the Muslim), which Mawlana elaborates upon. Though seemingly fellow travelers and of shared faith, each hails from a different world and will ultimately return to their own destination. Just as those who, compelled by cold and snow, temporarily reside together in a caravanserai, yet "when the road opened and the bond was loosened / They dispersed, and each went to a place of their own." This world is a caravanserai, and we are all temporary fellow travelers, but our origins and destinations differ. This verse invites contemplation on this multiplicity and the unity hidden within it, ultimately reminding us that while this world is a realm of mixtures, in the end, every bird will fly towards its own nest.

Key takeaways

• The world and the human body are composed of the fundamental elements of water, earth, wind, and fire.
• Existence spans from the transcendent (Throne) to the immanent (Earth), showcasing the diversity of creation.
• Cultural and geographical variety (e.g., Rome and Gash) reflects the multiplicity of humanity in this world.
• Every being, despite temporary mixing and coexistence, ultimately returns to its origin and source.
• The world is like a caravanserai where each traveler has their own path and ultimate destination.