بخش 17 - تمثیل روشهای مختلف و همتهای گوناگون به اختلاف تحری متحریان در وقت نماز قبله را در وقت تاریکی و تحری غواصان در قعر بحر

(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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every troop (of them) has heard of the excellence of that fire, and all imagine that any spark is that (same fire).

When the Light of Everlastingness rises at dawn, each (candle) reveals what (manner of) candle it was.

Whosoever's wings were burnt by the candle of victory, that goodly candle bestows on him eighty wings;

(But) beneath the bad candle many a moth, whose eyes were sealed, is left (lying) with burnt wings,

Quivering in sorrow and anguish, lamenting the vain desire that seals the eyes.

Its candle says (to it), “Since I am burnt, how should I deliver thee from burning (grief) and oppression?”

Its candle weeps, saying, “My head is consumed: how should I make another resplendent?”