M6:2818 — تا بگوید با حریفان در سمر / کو چه دارد در جبلت از هنر

Translation: So that he might tell his companions in the evening talk (samar) / What skill (honar) he possesses by nature (jebellat). Meaning: This verse indicates that each of the thieves, in their intimate nightly gathering, intends to reveal and showcase the inherent skill or art that defines their character.

This verse, from the tale of "King Mahmud and the Night Thieves," offers a precise glimpse into the disposition and intention of the thieves in this Masnavi narrative. Before each thief begins to elaborate on their peculiar 'art' or skill, Mowlana articulates their inner motive: "So that he might tell his companions in the evening talk (samar) / What skill (honar) he possesses by nature (jebellat)."

The term samar here signifies an intimate, nocturnal conversation or gathering – a circle where comrades and fellow practitioners come together to share their stories and secrets. Hafez, too, alludes to this meaning in his verse: "Arā usāmir laylāy laylata al-qamarī" (I keep company with my Layla on a moonlit night), denoting an intimate dialogue in the heart of the night. It is in such an atmosphere that each individual finds the opportunity to reveal themselves and unveil what lies hidden within their deepest being.

The word honar (art, skill) in classical Persian possesses a broader connotation than our contemporary understanding. As I have often reiterated, farhang (culture) was also historically used to mean 'art,' 'technique,' and even 'trickery' or 'cunning' (ḥīle va makr va neyrang). Mowlana, in this context, employs honar not merely as a noble skill, but rather as a specific capability, a stratagem, or a wile that each thief possesses by jebellat – that is, by their inherent nature and disposition. This 'art' is the distinct ability that sets them apart in their thieving endeavors and helps them achieve their goals.

This verse thus serves as an introduction to the peculiar and extraordinary 'arts' that each thief will boast about: one possesses extraordinary ears that understand the language of dogs; another has eyes that can discern individuals in the dark of night and recognize them the next day; and yet another has a nose that, by smelling the earth, can detect hidden treasures and concealed mines. These are all 'arts' that are rooted in the 'jebellat' of these thieves and are unveiled in this nocturnal samar. On a deeper allegorical level, this tale symbolizes the gaze of the King of the universe, God, who in the 'night' of this world observes the hidden states of humanity and is aware of both the virtuous and ignoble 'arts' embedded in each person's nature. On the 'day' of revelation, these 'arts' will lead to either reward or retribution.

Key takeaways

• Samar refers to intimate and friendly nocturnal conversation.
• Honar in this context encompasses a broad meaning, including cunning, technique, and specific (not necessarily ethical) skills.
• The verse introduces the peculiar, inherent skills each thief will display to achieve their aims.
• This narrative symbolizes God's knowledge of the good and ill 'arts' hidden within human nature.