M6:2723 — گفت سیماهم وجوه کردگار / که بود غماز باران سبزه‌زار

Translation: He said, their countenance is the face of the Creator, Which is the informer of the green meadow's rain. Meaning: Rumi states that the outward signs and spiritual states of true individuals are clear manifestations of God's presence and activity, just as a verdant meadow hints at unseen rain.

This verse is one of those pivotal passages in the Mathnawi that speaks of naqd-i ḥāl (the cash of the present spiritual state) and the kashf-i aḥwāl (unveiling of states). Rumi, in this section, tells a story where a Sufi prefers the 'cash' of today, even if it's a slap, over the 'credit' of tomorrow. This metaphor ultimately transforms into a dialogue between the lover and the Beloved, where even a slap from the Friend is sweet. Following this, Rumi alludes to the truth that the Beloved's presence can be observed in the joyful and light-hearted states of the mystics, just as the greenery by the stream signals the flow of water beneath.

I have often stated that Rumi prioritizes the 'present' over the 'future'. Mystics desire their paradise here, in this world, not in a distant future. This naqd-i ḥāl manifests itself through discernible signs. Here, Rumi references the noble Quranic verses: "Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration" (48:29) and "The sinful are recognized by their marks" (55:41). Sīmā in Arabic means 'sign' or 'mark', although in contemporary Persian, it primarily refers to the face. Rumi, with profound insight, employs this Quranic concept here, signifying that the mystic's outward appearance and spiritual states are signs of the Creator's activity.

This sīmā, this 'sign', is entirely natural. The green meadow announces rain that fell at night, unseen by anyone. The freshness and vitality of a beautiful garden attest to a hidden rain. This stands in stark contrast to hypocrisy and artificiality. Rumi is not among those mystics who artificially display religious marks. The mark of prostration on the forehead of a true believer stems from love and the joy of worship, not from a branded seal. A joyful, light-souled mystic, whose oceanic tranquility pervades others, is himself evidence of the 'water of life'.

Therefore, this verse offers a deep lesson on 'seeing' and 'discovering' divine signs in the world and in human beings. These signs are revealed not in archaic philosophical discourse, but in the 'state' (ḥāl) and the 'sufficiency of the state' (kifāyat-i ḥāl). When you sit with a mystic and perceive their joy, their light spirit, and their soaring nature, know that 'there is news'—a profound reality is present. This is precisely the ghammāz (informer); the meadow's telling of the Creator's rain.

Key takeaways

• The spiritual states of true individuals are clear manifestations of divine presence.
• Just as a green meadow informs of hidden rain, the mystic's joyful state signifies unseen divine blessings.
• Rumi emphasizes 'naqd-i ḥāl' (the cash of the present moment): finding paradise and peace in the now, not in future promises.
• Signs of faith and devotion must be natural and born of love, not artificial or hypocritical.
• Observing joy and lightness of spirit in a mystic is the strongest proof of the Creator's presence and activity within them.