M3:162 — مصطفی چون برد بوی از راه دور / چون نیابد از دهان ما بخور

This beyt is part of a longer discourse in the Masnavi where Rumi explores the idea that our inner states and intentions, especially those of greed, pride, and hypocrisy, emit a spiritual 'odor' that is perceptible to those with heightened spiritual senses. The preceding couplets speak of an elephant that can smell its own child from a distance, and how God can discern truth from falsehood. Here, Rumi uses the Prophet Muhammad (Mustafa) as the ultimate example of spiritual discernment. If the Prophet could perceive subtle spiritual realities and truths from 'distant ways' (referring to his prophetic insight into hidden matters and future events, or the spiritual state of people far off), then how could he not detect the 'foul haze' (بخور) that arises from our mouths when we speak with impure hearts, even if we try to conceal it with pious words or false oaths? The 'foul haze' represents the spiritual stench of our hidden vices. Rumi emphasizes that this spiritual odor is not just a metaphor; it is a real emanation that ascends to the heavens and is perceived by spiritual beings, and by extension, by those like the Prophet who possess such profound insight. This serves as a warning against hypocrisy and a call for inner purity, as our true selves are always revealed to the discerning.