Concept

Rumi's Metaphor of Adam's Expulsion as the Decline of Youth in Old Age

In Section 44 of Book Five of the Masnavi, Rumi employs the narrative of Adam's expulsion from Paradise as an extended metaphor for the physical decline of old age. He describes the aging person as the 'Adam of beauty' who was once prostrated to by others but is now 'dismissed' and dragged out of the 'paradise' of youth by Gabriel (representing the inevitable passage of time). The shedding of physical beauty, strength, and hair during old age is likened to Adam's heavenly robes being stripped away during his trial. Through this metaphor, Rumi illustrates that physical youth and beauty are merely temporary, 'borrowed' garments granted by God, which must eventually be returned as a matter of divine judgment.

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Updated 2026-07-04

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Persian Literature Prerequisite Course