Rumi's Masnavi - He (the knight) said, “For what reason, then, is retaliation (sanctioned)?” “’Tis from God, too,” said ‘Alí, “and that is a hidden mystery.

He (the knight) said, “For what reason, then, is retaliation (sanctioned)?” “’Tis from God, too,” said ‘Alí, “and that is a hidden mystery.

گفت او پس آن قصاص از بهر چیست ** گفت هم از حق و آن سر خفی است‌‌

If He takes offence at His own act, (yet) He causes gardens (of good) to grow from that taking offence. 3855

گر کند بر فعل خود او اعتراض ** ز اعتراض خود برویاند ریاض‌‌

It beseems Him to take offence at His own act, inasmuch as in vengeance and mercy He is One.

اعتراض او را رسد بر فعل خود ** ز آن که در قهر است و در لطف او احد

In this city of phenomena He is the Prince; in (all) the realms (of the world) He is the Ruler.

اندر این شهر حوادث میر اوست ** در ممالک مالک تدبیر اوست‌‌

If He breaks His own instrument, He mends that which has become broken.”

آلت خود را اگر او بشکند ** آن شکسته گشته را نیکو کند

Recognise, O noble sir, the indication of (the text), (Whatever) verse We shall cancel or cause to be forgotten, followed by We shall bring a better.

رمز ننسخ آیه او ننسها ** نأت خیرا در عقب می‌‌دان مها

Every (religious) law that God has cancelled—He has taken away grass and brought roses in exchange. 3860

هر شریعت را که حق منسوخ کرد ** او گیا برد و عوض آورد ورد

Night cancels the business of day: behold an inanimateness (inertia) that enlightens the intellect!

شب کند منسوخ شغل روز را ** بین جمادی خرد افروز را

Again, night is cancelled by the light of day, so that the inanimateness is consumed by that fire-kindling one.

باز شب منسوخ شد از نور روز ** تا جمادی سوخت ز آن آتش فروز

Although that sleep and rest are darkness, is not the Water of Life within the darkness?

گر چه ظلمت آمد آن نوم و سبات ** نی درون ظلمت است آب حیات‌‌