Apparent Fire and the Body’s Candle
Human spiritual life is built upon a constant struggle between the body and the soul (can). The great mystic Mevlâna Celâleddîn-i Rûmî explains this truth with the analogy of a candle: The physical fire apparent in the external world stands as a candle to dispel darkness, and as it burns, that candle completely vanishes. A lifeless candle melts and is consumed by the fire, leaving behind neither trace nor light. However, the candle representing the human body is exactly the opposite. As the body diminishes through asceticism, worship, opposition to the ego, and decreases; the light, brilliance, and strength of the soul (spirit) within it increases. That is to say, every concession made from bodily pleasures grants the spirit immense illumination and power.
Lasting Light and Transient Shadows
Everything belonging to the body is temporary and destined for decay; whereas the flame shining in the candle of the soul possesses a Divine (Allah’s) light. Because this soul’s light is eternal, it is far removed from the shadow of annihilation that transient beings are exposed to. Just as the shadow of a cloud falls only on the ground but does not obscure the sun. Worldly blessings, positions, and physical health are nothing more than fleeting shadows. Beauty, talents, and false loves quickly vanish from the side of an ungrateful person; to the point where no trace of them is ever seen again. However, the light of the perfect believer whose soul is bound to Allah continues to shine eternally even when the body mixes with the earth.
Like Iron Baked in Fire
For the spirit to attain this Divine light and be purified, it must be baked in the fire of suffering, endure trials. Just as an apple or fresh quince becomes beautiful with a little heat, but hard iron needs to enter scorching fires and dragon flames to become beautiful and take shape,21 so too the spirits of perfect people are polished through great sacrifices and harsh trials. The iron that draws that fire into itself attains purity and purpose. A believer should also see the difficulties they encounter, illnesses that weaken the body, or the hardships of asceticism as Divine fires that illuminate their soul, and not hesitate to melt their transient existence (the body’s candle) in the path of God.