Rumi's Masnavi - (They are) like folk trying to find (the direction of the Ka‘ba) and (each) turning in a certain direction which they fancy is the qibla:

(They are) like folk trying to find (the direction of the Ka‘ba) and (each) turning in a certain direction which they fancy is the qibla:

هم‌چو قومی که تحری می‌کنند ** بر خیال قبله سویی می‌تنند

When at dawn the Ka‘ba appears, it is discovered who has lost the (right) way; 330

چونک کعبه رو نماید صبحگاه ** کشف گردد که کی گم کردست راه

Or like divers under the depth of the (sea)-water, every one (of whom) picks up something in haste:

یا چو غواصان به زیر قعر آب ** هر کسی چیزی همی‌چیند شتاب

In hope of (getting) precious jewels and pearls, they fill their bags with that and this;

بر امید گوهر و در ثمین ** توبره پر می‌کنند از آن و این

When they come up from the floor of the deep sea, the possessor of the great pearls is discovered,

چون بر آیند از تگ دریای ژرف ** کشف گردد صاحب در شگرف

And (also) the other who got the small pearls, and the other who got (only) pebbles and worthless shells.

وآن دگر که برد مروارید خرد ** وآن دگر که سنگ‌ریزه و شبه برد

Even thus in the Sáhira (place of Judgement) a shameful overwhelming tribulation will afflict them (the followers of phantasy). 335

هکذی یبلوهم بالساهره ** فتنة ذات افتضاح قاهره

Similarly, every class of people in the world are fluttering like moths round a candle.

هم‌چنین هر قوم چون پروانگان ** گرد شمعی پرزنان اندر جهان

They attach themselves to a fire and circle round their own candle

خویشتن بر آتشی برمی‌زنند ** گرد شمع خود طوافی می‌کنند

In the hope of (gaining) the blessed fire of Moses, by the flame whereof the tree is made more green (flourishing).

بر امید آتش موسی بخت ** کز لهیبش سبزتر گردد درخت