M6:4257 — عشوه‌شان را از چه رو باور کنید / یا چرا زیشان قبول زر کنید

Translation: Why should you believe their deceptions (ʿeshveh)? Or why would you accept gold (zar) from them? Meaning: This couplet serves as a stern warning to officials not to be swayed by the guile and trickery of wrongdoers, nor to accept bribes from them, in the course of administering justice.

Here, Rumi, speaking through the voice of the city's ruler, addresses the ʿasas, or patrolmen, instructing them to be firm and uncompromising in their dealings with thieves and criminals. This command is not merely a moral exhortation but a governmental decree issued to safeguard public order and security.

I have often stressed that, in Rumi's thought, a just ruler is one who prioritizes the welfare of the general populace over the interests of a select few. In this instance, the ruler warns the patrolmen against being swayed by ʿeshveh—meaning deception, lies, or misleading tactics used by criminals—or by zar, which refers to gold or bribes. This highlights that bribery and trickery were prevalent issues in that era, prompting rulers to issue resolute commands to combat them.

The core issue here is the discernment of truth from falsehood. The patrolman must be astute enough not to fall for the superficial appearances and false promises of thieves. Rumi himself, elsewhere, illustrates how truthful speech brings peace to hearts—"The scent of truth came from his oath"—whereas deceit only breeds rayba, or suspicion. This couplet underscores the necessity of distinguishing between right and wrong in the realm of political and judicial action. The ruler explicitly states that even if a thief were his own kin, his hand must be severed. This demonstrates the highest degree of impartiality and justice: no personal relationship or individual interest should impede the enforcement of divine and social law.

This directive from the ruler can be compared to Imam Ali's counsel in his letter to Malik Ashtar, where he advises: "Always direct your attention and concern to the general populace, and set aside the special interests." While the immediate context here is leniency towards a criminal, the underlying principle is the same: the common good, public safety, and societal well-being take precedence over any particular interest, personal gain, or group advantage. The suffering of the general populace should not be overlooked for the sake of a few individuals.

Key takeaways

• Justice must be administered decisively and impartially, even concerning one's own kin.
• Rulers bear the responsibility to prioritize public welfare and security over private or special interests.
• Combating deception and bribery is a fundamental principle of just governance.
• Astuteness in discerning truth from falsehood is crucial not only in mysticism but also in societal management.
• When dealing with criminals, one must not be swayed by appearances or false promises.