M6:1170 — گفت از رنجش مرا آگاه نیست / لیک روزی چند بر درگاه نیست

Translation: He said: "I am unaware of his ailment, But for several days now, he is not at the threshold." Meaning: This verse is a companion's answer to the Prophet's query about a hidden mystic (Hilal), revealing how ordinary people are often oblivious to the inner struggles and spiritual state of God's chosen ones.

In this story of the Prophet and Hilal the stableman, we arrive at a profound point that Rumi emphasizes repeatedly throughout the Masnavi. The Prophet (PBUH) inquires about Hilal's condition from his companions, and one replies: "Az ranjash marā āgāh nīst, līk rūzī chand bar dargāh nīst." This seemingly simple answer, in fact, encapsulates deep philosophical and mystical insights.

Firstly, this statement reveals the contrast between an outward-looking perspective and an inward-seeing gaze. The Prophet's companion is unaware of Hilal's "ailment" or inner suffering. He has only observed Hilal's physical absence from the "threshold." This absence might suggest a physical illness, but the companion is unable to penetrate the depths of Hilal's being to comprehend his true suffering, which is often spiritual. This is precisely the "treasure in ruins" (M6:1168-1169) that Rumi previously alluded to, where ordinary people perceive only the ruins, not the treasure within.

Secondly, this unawareness clarifies the nature of God's "Friends" (awliyā-yi Haqq). Rumi, prior to this verse, described figures like Hilal as "spies of hearts" (jawāsīs al-qulūb) (M6:1168), meaning they possess insight and are aware of the inner states of hearts. Yet, they themselves are so hidden in their humility and modesty that even those close to them remain ignorant of their true condition. This concealment of their state is because the people of truth do not seek fame or spectacle; anonymity is an inseparable part of their spiritual journey. Indeed, this humility and hiddenness are conditions for safeguarding the inner treasure from unworthy appropriation.

Thirdly, this verse clarifies that true knowledge is not attained through mere observation. The Prophet's companion sees Hilal, observes his absence, but has no comprehension or knowledge of his inner "ailment." To understand the state of such great souls, one must have an ear for the heart. One must move beyond appearances and delve within, a task that only the "Friends of God" and "spies of hearts" can accomplish. The Prophet himself is here to show the way and unveil the hidden treasure, even if that treasure is concealed in a dark and impure stable (as the subsequent verses illustrate). The Prophet's active search and inquiry itself signifies the importance of disregarding superficialities and reaching for the essence. This is the very self-knowledge Rumi often refers to: "Az usūlīnat usūl-i khwīsh beh / Keh bidānī tū keī ay mard-i meh" (M3:2654). It is here that we witness how even the state of the "moon of the Throne" remains hidden until the Prophet himself seeks him out, demonstrating that true worth lies in servitude and humility, not in outward status or position. This unawareness of his suffering is itself a testament to the depth of this hiddenness.

Key takeaways

• True knowledge transcends mere outward observation; seeing does not equate to knowing.
• God's Friends and true mystics conceal their inner struggles and states from ordinary people.
• Humility and anonymity are hallmarks of authentic spiritual journey and protect the treasure of gnosis.
• Prophets and saints focus on the inner reality of things, transcending appearances to find hidden gems.