M6:3358 — چیست آن جاذب نهان اندر نهان / در جهان تابیده از دیگر جهان

Translation: What is that hidden attraction, deep within, / Shining in this world from another world? Meaning: This verse questions the mysterious allure embedded in certain phenomena that draws people, even if the phenomenon appears outwardly valueless. Rumi suggests this pull originates from another, deeper realm.

I believe Rumi, in this verse, articulates a profound philosophical and mystical insight that challenges conventional understandings of phenomena, even of perceived deviations. He arrives at this beyt while discussing "divine deception" (makr-i Ilāhī) and how "a heavy horse, a heavy cow, through trial / Becomes worshipped by God's deception" (referring to idol worship). "Divine deception" in Rumi's lexicon is not a trick or deceit, but rather a form of divine "blinding" or concealment (cheshm-bandī) that sometimes veils truth behind the appearance of things.

With his question, "What is that hidden attraction, deep within, / Shining in this world from another world?", Rumi seeks to convey that nothing in this cosmos, not even a stone idol worshipped by the ignorant, is merely inanimate or meaningless. Behind every phenomenon, every inclination, and even every misguidance, lies a secret. There is an attraction "hidden within the hidden" that has shone "from another world"—meaning from the realm of the unseen, from absolute reality—into this material world.

This is an infinitely important insight: no attraction is without roots. Even one who attaches their heart to an idol or false deity is, in truth, drawn towards a hidden reality that has manifested in that idol or originated from it. This is what sociologists and philosophers of religion refer to as a "function." Idol worship had a function, and that function has its roots beyond this material world. In other words, the human heart, even if errant, always turns towards the Origin, even if it misidentifies this Origin and loses its way. This attraction is a manifestation of that "principle" of existence that has displayed itself in everything.

Rumi's perspective prevents us from viewing phenomena superficially and unidimensionally. He teaches us to always seek the "root" and "secret" that lies hidden behind every manifestation. This is the profound depth of vision that pervades the entire Masnavi. This attraction is the light that has shone from that hidden truth, from that source of being, into this world, affecting even the hearts of idols to draw lost hearts towards itself, albeit mistakenly. This is a wisdom that can be hidden even behind a seemingly erroneous appearance; a divine strategem from the essence of Truth.

Key takeaways

• All attractions have a hidden root; even the allure of idols originates from absolute Truth.
• No inclination in the world is simply meaningless; a secret from "another world" always shines within it.
• "Divine deception" (makr-i Ilāhī) refers to a divine blinding or concealment, not trickery, that veils truth behind appearances.
• Rumi teaches us to seek the hidden roots and wisdom behind every phenomenon, even in misguidance.
• The human heart, even when mistaken, ultimately turns towards the Origin of existence, even if it misidentifies it.