M6:1027 — گفت صد خدمت کنم پانصد سجود / بنده‌ای دارم تن اسپید و جهود

Translation: [Abu Bakr] said: "I shall perform a hundred services, five hundred prostrations; / I have a slave whose body is white and (spiritually) a Jew." Meaning:* This verse captures Abu Bakr’s resolute reply to Bilal's Jewish owner. He declares his absolute readiness to perform any service and prostration for Bilal's freedom, offering in exchange a slave with fair skin but (spiritually) an infidel, implying a lack of inner light.

In this verse, Rumi speaks through the voice of Abu Bakr, as he seeks to liberate Bilal of Abyssinia. This event itself serves as a brilliant illustration of the profound ethical and mystical depth that Rumi consistently emphasizes, as if a great lesson is embedded within a seemingly minor narrative. Abu Bakr, in response to Bilal's owner—who suggested he buy Bilal if he truly pitied him—decisively declares: "I will perform a hundred services, five hundred prostrations." This expression is not merely a verbal agreement; rather, it signifies the ultimate humility, love, and sacrifice of Abu Bakr in the path of faith and for the emancipation of another human being. This statement reveals the essence of mystical love in action, which holds back no devotion or self-sacrifice in the pursuit of the beloved.

Abu Bakr then proposes an exchange that, in itself, is a profound lesson in distinguishing between the outward and inward. He states: "I have a slave whose body is white and (spiritually) a Jew." The term 'Jew' here is not necessarily a literal religious designation, but rather signifies an infidel or one lacking inner spiritual light. Later in the story, Rumi explicitly clarifies: "Take him whose skin is white but whose heart is dark; / In exchange, give me ten dark-skinned ones with illuminated hearts." This precise distinction between 'white body' (physical beauty and worldly advantages) and 'dark heart' (a dim, lifeless inner self) versus 'dark body' (physically unattractive from a worldly perspective) and 'illuminated heart' (a radiant, enlightened inner self) is vital for Rumi. Abu Bakr's choice demonstrates the superiority of inner essence and spiritual worth over any outward attribute or racial distinction.

Furthermore, Rumi, with his characteristic insight, points to human 'form-worship' (ṣūrat-parastī). The hard-hearted Jewish owner, who initially resisted Abu Bakr's plea, softens upon seeing the beauty of Abu Bakr's fair-skinned slave: "So astonished was that Jew / That his stone-like heart quickly gave way." This sudden transformation becomes the foundation for a key point by Rumi: "Such was the state of form-worshippers: / Their stone turns to wax by a mere form." This implies that many individuals, even with tough and insensitive hearts, become susceptible to superficial attractions and external beauties of the world, thereby being deceived. This is a profound critique of a society that measures value based on appearance and remains oblivious to inner reality. Abu Bakr, through this exchange, not only frees Bilal but also presents a living example of mystical knowledge, practically demonstrating the superiority of the spirit over the body and the light of faith over the darkness of unbelief.

Key takeaways

• A person's true worth lies in their inner essence, not in physical appearance or race.
• Sacrifice and devotion for divine and human values are hallmarks of true love.
• Through this story, Rumi critiques 'form-worship' (ṣūrat-parastī) and calls people to perceive inner character.
• Even hardened and stubborn hearts can be swayed and softened by superficial and worldly attractions.