In Rumi's Masnavi, the conflict between Moses and Pharaoh is frequently used as an allegory for the internal spiritual and epistemological struggle between true Intellect (عقل, 'Aql) and Illusion or false imagination (وهم, Wahm). Moses represents the divine intellect, which is grounded in ultimate reality, humility, and divine guidance. Pharaoh represents illusion, a counterfeit intellect that is driven by ego, worldly arrogance, and spiritual blindness. Rumi emphasizes that while Wahm may superficially resemble 'Aql, it is its fundamental adversary, leading individuals to reject the truth and rely on flawed, materialistic perceptions.