In Book Three, Section 176 of the Masnavi, Rumi explains how a single action can be both affirmed and negated depending on the perspective (نسبت) from which it is viewed. Using the Quranic verse 'You did not throw when you threw' (8:17), which refers to the Prophet's action at the Battle of Badr, Rumi illustrates that while the physical exertion belongs to the human being (affirmation), the ultimate power and effectiveness come entirely from God (negation of independent human agency). This principle allows Rumi to resolve apparent contradictions by showing that opposing statements can both be true when applied to different aspects or relations of the same reality.