THE PAST LOSS AND PRESENT GAIN

So many days spent in grief and strain!

So many days went in ache and pain!

The Taalib-e-Saadiq (honest seeker of Allah Ta’ala) is never satiated, even after becoming united with his object of desire. He always remains in the quest for greater pleasure [that is, more ways to gain divine closeness].

Observing the stages in front he realizes he is in a lower level. He thinks that his past life was a waste and of no benefit [whereas it was the stepping stone and groundwork for the higher stages]. He, therefore, becomes grieved that his life before was of no use and that he spent all his days in ache and pain without any gain.

If the days have gone, then say, “Good, no fuss at all”.

You just remain, O That Being Who is the purest of all!

Here, there is a sort of backing away from the previous content. In other words, one should not become grieved over the days lost. If they are gone, let them go. Ishq (Divine Passion) which is the real treasure, and it is free and pure of all defects, it remaining is enough.

Thus, the previous couplet rectifies vanity by taking one’s condition to be low, whilst in this couplet ingratitude is rectified, that a blessing should not be rejected.

(Kaleed-e-Mathnawi)