In Book 5, Section 57 of the Masnavi, Rumi examines the spiritual validity of weeping during ritual prayer. He establishes that the intention behind the tears is the deciding factor. Tears shed out of yearning for God or sincere repentance reflect a state of "presence of heart" (hudur al-qalb) and serve to perfect the prayer. In contrast, tears shed over worldly afflictions, such as physical pain or the loss of loved ones, invalidate the prayer. Rumi argues that genuine prayer requires the complete abandonment of the ego and material attachments, drawing a parallel to Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his son and surrender his body.