In Book Three of the Masnavi, during the Tale of the Mountain Dervish, Rumi explores the spiritual significance of solitude (khalwat) and detachment from worldly distractions. He illustrates that true fulfillment is found in intimacy with the Divine. The core message is summarized by the divine declaration: 'If you are with everyone but without Me, you are with no one, and if you are with no one but with Me, you are with everyone.' This emphasizes that spiritual companionship with God surpasses physical association with others.