In Jami's Haft Awrang, Section 23 presents a classic Sufi allegory where a rationalist questions Majnun for sweeping, kissing, and weeping at the walls of a ruined, empty house. The rationalist points out that there are no beautiful paintings or flowers to justify such devotion. Majnun commands him to be silent, explaining that this house is the dwelling of his beloved, Layla.

Key Concepts

• Intellectual vs. Spiritual Perception: The rationalist represents intellectual reason ('Aql), which is limited to physical realities, seeing only an empty, worthless mud structure.
• Transcendental Love ('Ishq): Majnun represents the spiritual lover who looks past external, material forms to perceive the divine essence or beloved's presence. Every speck of dust associated with the beloved becomes sacred.
• Veneration of the Dwelling: The act of kissing and sweeping the dust of the beloved's home symbolises the lover's total selflessness and devotion, where even the physica...