M6:1606 — چون همه انوار از شمس بقاست / صبح صادق صبح کاذب از چه خاست

Translation: Since all lights emanate from the Sun of Eternity, From what, then, arise the true dawn and the false dawn? Meaning: The verse captures a Sufi's profound question: if all existence and light stem from a single, unified divine source, how then do such distinct dualities, particularly between truth and falsehood, come into being?

This verse encapsulates a fundamental question posed by a Sufi to a Qazi, a question that has eternally preoccupied philosophers and mystics alike: From where do these multiplicities and contradictions, these dualities, emerge, when all originate from a single, unified principle and truth? Here, Mowlana presents this issue through various examples, aiming to convey this existential riddle to the depths of our souls.

The verse asks: “Since all lights emanate from the Sun of Eternity, from what, then, arise the true dawn and the false dawn?” The “Sun of Eternity” (شمس بقا) unequivocally refers to the Divine, that everlasting sun which is the absolute source of all being and light. Everything that exists stems from Him; every illumination is from His radiance. But how is it that from this single, unified sun, two utterly contradictory phenomena—the “true dawn” (صبح صادق) and the “false dawn” (صبح کاذب)—emerge? The true dawn marks the actual beginning of the day and prayer time, heralding light and truth. In contrast, the false dawn is a misleading light that appears before the true sunrise, a light that lacks truth and is deceptive. This example precisely represents the distinction between truth and falsehood, or what is right and what is wrong.

Such questions demonstrate that the mystic does not view existence naively. He seeks unity but does not shy away from confronting multiplicity and contradiction. He cannot accept that God, who is the absolute source of goodness and being, could also be the source of evil and deficiency. This paradox is not only evident in dawns and sunsets but is replicated in all dimensions of existence: from one mine of gold, one is profit and the other loss; from one hand, one is sober and the other drunk; from one sea, one is sweet and the other poison. These are all instances of this philosophical-mystical dilemma: how does multiplicity, especially contradictory multiplicities, arise from unity? This question is fundamental, and Mowlana aims to convey that these multiplicities arise from that very unity, but not in the sense of evil being created from truth. Rather, it signifies the possibility of differences manifesting within His countless expressions. It is here that Mowlana’s perspective diverges from philosophers who might have leaned towards dualism or the existence of independent evil. He resolves the enigma of existence within the heart of divine unity.

Key takeaways

• The paradox of unity in multiplicity: How do differences and contradictions originate from a single divine source?
• «Shams-e Baqā» (Sun of Eternity) symbolizes God as the everlasting sun and absolute source of all being and light.
• «Sobh-e Sādeq» (true dawn) and «Sobh-e Kāzib» (false dawn) are vivid examples of truth and falsehood in the manifestations of existence.
• This question is a central concern for mystics and philosophers regarding the origin of good and evil and distinctions in the world.
• Mowlana, through these questions, shows he does not view existence simplistically; he seeks to resolve this enigma within the heart of unity.