Overview

In Book Two, Section 71 of the Masnavi, Rumi presents the story of a newly appointed judge (Qadi) weeping over his ignorance of the disputants' cases. His deputy comforts him by explaining a profound epistemological and ethical principle: personal interest and bias (gharaz or illat) blind the learned, whereas the absence of bias allows even an uninformed person to see clearly.

Key Philosophical Concepts

• The Blindness of Self-Interest (Gharaz): Rumi argues that the two disputants, despite being highly knowledgeable about their own cases, are blinded by their personal desires and greed. Their knowledge is buried by their bias ('elm-e-shaan ra illat andar goor kard').
• The Clarity of Detachment (Bi-gharazi): The judge, though initially ignorant of the specific facts, acts as a clear mirror because he is free from self-interest in the matter. His detachment (faraghat) serves as a spiritual light that guides his judgment.
• **Ignorance vs. Biased Knowledg...