M6:2573 — تر و خشک و پر و تی باشد دهل / بانگ او آگه کند ما را ز کل

Translation: Whether wet or dry, full or empty, the drum may be / Its sound will inform us of the whole. Meaning: This verse suggests that any being, regardless of its internal state, can reveal a hidden truth when external pressure is applied.

This verse employs the metaphor of the drum to articulate a profound point about knowledge and the revelation of truth. The drum, a simple instrument, even in its silence, contains "something" that only becomes evident when struck. I interpret Mowlana here as saying: it matters not whether the skin stretched over the drum is wet or dry; nor whether its interior is full or empty; in any case, when it is beaten, a sound arises from it that informs us of its entire state, 'az kol'. This is Mowlana's dynamic epistemology: truth, when put under pressure, reveals itself, whatever its condition.

Continuing this metaphor, Mowlana clarifies that this "sound" expresses "its secret out of desperation" (sar-i khwud az iztirār); meaning, the truth that has been hidden in secrecy now reveals itself out of necessity. And this revelation brings tranquility, for "truth" and honesty bring ṭumʾanīna and settle the hearts. Truthfulness is like a shining light that falsehood can never provide; indeed, can one ever achieve serenity through lies? It is impossible.

In this context, Mowlana also uses the analogy of khass (grit or splinter) in the mouth or eye. Just as a piece of grit in the mouth cannot remain hidden, and the tongue constantly works to expel it, and a thorn in the eye causes tears and restlessness until it is removed; truth is likewise. It cannot remain hidden, and if concealed, it causes unease and unrest. This khass must be expelled by force (like "kicking" in the continuation of the metaphor) so that the eye and mouth may be free of it, and the heart may find peace. This is what we observe in the realm of thought as well: concealment and dishonesty are like that grit in the mouth, constantly bothering and disrupting intellectual peace, and until exposed, no repose is achieved.

Key takeaways

• Truth, even its innermost essence, is revealed under external pressure.
• The external state (wet, dry, full, empty) modifies the sound but not the principle of revelation itself.
• Honesty and truthfulness bring tranquility (ṭumʾanīna) to the heart.
• Falsehood is like grit in the mouth that cannot remain hidden and constantly causes restlessness.