In Book Five, Section 21 of the Masnavi, Rumi explores the paradoxical relationship between divine grace (lutf) and divine wrath (qahr). He explains that God often conceals His grace within apparent wrath (hardships, trials, and suffering), while hiding His wrath within apparent grace (worldly pleasures and comforts).

Using the allegory of a dervish's vision, Rumi describes two streams: one of scorching fire and another of sweet water. Because of a divine deception or 'reversed horseshoe' meant to test humanity, those who superficially choose the sweet water find themselves in the fire, whereas those who courageously step into the fire emerge in the sweet water. This concept emphasizes the necessity of spiritual discernment—seeing with the 'light of God'—to look beyond outward appearances and recognize the true, hidden nature of divine actions.