M6:989 — مصطفی گفتش کای اقبال‌جو / اندرین من می‌شوم انباز تو

Translation: Mustafa said to him, 'O seeker of good fortune, In this matter, I shall become your partner.' Meaning: This verse conveys the Prophet Muhammad's desire to partake in a virtuous and spiritual act (the freeing of Bilal), underscoring the profound value of shared merit.

In this verse, Rumi narrates a profound episode where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offers to partner with Abu Bakr in purchasing and freeing Bilal al-Habashi. This is no ordinary offer to share a financial burden. Rather, I contend that this invitation to partnership stems from the Prophet's deep understanding of the transcendent value of the act itself. The Prophet addresses Abu Bakr as iqbāl-ju, not as someone seeking worldly fortune or wealth, but as one who strives for spiritual felicity and divine grace—a felicity inherent in such virtuous deeds.

As I have frequently emphasized, Rumi consistently calls the reader to discern true values and to beware of the deception of appearances. In Bilal's story, those who keep him enslaved and exploit him are oblivious to the 'gem' (goهر) they hold. As Rumi states elsewhere: 'Whoever buys cheaply, sells cheaply; a child gives a gem for a loaf of bread.' By entering this transaction, the Prophet not only pays the price for Bilal's freedom but, in essence, acknowledges the profound value of his monotheism (tawḥīd) and faith (īmān). This act represents a 'waṣūl' (attainment) of spiritual realities, much like the Masnavi's promise of attainment and certainty, as I discussed previously. Abu Bakr, himself a person of gnosis and faith, recognizes this gem, and the Prophet, too, is eager to be his partner in this virtue.

This partnership in virtue is, in itself, a profound lesson from Rumi's perspective. Good and spiritual deeds are not commodities to be bought individually; their fruit and blessing are so immense that even the Prophet desires to participate in them. This shared breath in noble action signifies a shared path in spiritual endeavor. Rumi teaches us that in this spiritual journey, we are not alone; great souls are eager for companionship and participation in goodness and righteousness.

Key takeaways

• Partnership in virtue amplifies the spiritual merit of good deeds.
• The Prophet recognized Bilal's faith and monotheism as a value far exceeding his outward status.
• The term 'seeker of good fortune' (iqbāl-ju) refers to spiritual felicity and divine grace, not worldly luck.
• Rumi uses narratives to convey profound insights into spiritual valuation.
• The true essence of a human being is a 'gem' often sold cheaply by the ignorant.