M6:2219 — کی دروغی قیمت آرد بی ز راست / در دو عالم هر دروغ از راست خاست

Translation: When would a lie (durōgh) attain value without truth (rāst)? In both realms, every lie (durōgh) arose from truth (rāst). Meaning: This verse asserts that falsehood and illusion inherently derive their existence and perceived value from truth and reality; without an underlying truth, a lie can never gain credence or currency.

In this verse, Rumi points to a profoundly philosophical and mystical truth, refuting superficial perspectives on non-real phenomena. Some may think that fears or illusions are baseless, mere fantasies with no underlying reality. Yet, Rumi asserts with conviction: "When would an illusion be without truth? When would a heart move without rectitude?" This means that every fancy and illusion, however unreal it may seem, ultimately traces back to a truth and a real source.

It is here that Rumi introduces the analogy of the lie and the truth, asking: "When would a lie (durōgh) attain value without truth (rāst)? In both realms, every lie (durōgh) arose from truth (rāst)." What I mean to say is that a lie, by itself and without the backing of truth, can never find a buyer or become a common currency. The value of a lie, even in appearance, stems from the existence of truth. It is precisely like a counterfeit coin; if there were no genuine, true coin, the counterfeit coin would be meaningless and worthless. The liar has observed the currency and radiance of truth; it is in the hope that their lie, too, might gain currency and acceptance like truth, that they resort to falsehood. Thus, a lie is a covering over truth, an inversion of it, rather than something entirely separate and rootless.

Rumi addresses the lie, saying: "O lie, whose utterance stems from truthfulness, give thanks for this bounty, and deny not the truth." This implies that, O lie, if you have a voice, and if you are sometimes accepted, it is because of the sincerity and truth that exist in this world. You ought to be grateful for this bounty, that truth exists and you are able to clothe yourself in its garb. This resonates with the famous tale of truth and falsehood, where falsehood dons the clothes of truth and parades amongst people. This indicates that there must be a truth for falsehood to borrow its raiment and present itself.

This perspective has deep roots in the concept of tawhid-i af'ālī (unity of acts of God). In the cosmos, nothing false exists unless it somehow originates from a truth. Every deviation is a deviation from a straight path that existed initially. This way of viewing the world imbues it with meaning, even in phenomena that appear futile and baseless.

Key takeaways

• Every lie, even illusion and fancy, has its roots in truth.
• The value of falsehood derives from the existence of truth; without truth, a lie is worthless.
• A lie is a covering or an inversion of truth, not an entirely separate entity.
• Rumi addresses the lie, suggesting it should be grateful for the existence of truth, which grants it credibility.
• This perspective has deep roots in tawhid-i af'ālī: in existence, no falsehood arises without originating from a truth.