Concept

In Section 28 of the Hadiqat al-Haqiqah, Sanai employs the metaphor of Nur-e Barq (lightning flash) to describe the intellect or judgment of an unwise counselor (ray-e kam 'aql).

Key Elements

• Instability: Lightning provides a sudden, intense burst of light that is too fleeting to be useful for complex tasks, such as reading a letter (nameh).
• Danger: This instability is particularly fatal during a 'storm' or 'flood' (state crises), where the ruler is at risk of 'drowning' or 'foundering'.
• Prerequisite Role: Understanding this specific metaphor is essential for grasping Sanai's broader argument that governance relies on the steady 'light' of wisdom rather than the erratic impulses of base-minded advisors.