The Sick Slave-Girl, the Divine Healer, and the Purification of False Love | Chapter 3 of The Masnavi
False Love, Divine Healing, and the Soul’s Transformation in Rumi’s Tale of the Sick Slave-Girl | Chapter 3 of The Masnavi (Book One) Chapter 3 of The Masnavi offers one of Rumi’s most profound allegorical narratives: the story of a king who falls in love with a beautiful slave-girl, only to watch her become gravely ill. Worldly remedies fail, forcing the king to confront his powerlessness and turn toward God in sincere prayer. What follows is a layered mystical tale that illustrates the journey from earthly attachment to divine love, the role of spiritual guides, and the hidden wisdom embedded within events that appear painful or unjust. This chapter marks a transition from introductory metaphysics to narrative teaching, showing how Rumi uses story to convey spiritual truth. To enhance your understanding of this allegory, watch the full chapter breakdown here: The King’s Despair and the Limits of Worldly Power The story begins with a king who becomes deeply enamored with a...