In Section 19 of Book Four of the Masnavi, Rumi recounts the story of Uthman ibn Affan ascending the pulpit (minbar) upon becoming Caliph. Out of humility and reverence, Uthman chooses to sit on the third step, leaving the highest position for the Prophet Muhammad and the second for Abu Bakr. When questioned by a meddler about this positioning and his initial silence on the pulpit, the narrative reveals a profound lesson: a leader who guides through righteous action, humility, and spiritual state (the active advisor) is far more effective and superior to one who merely offers eloquent but empty words. Rumi uses this anecdote to explore the themes of spiritual rank, reverence for predecessors, and the transformative power of deeds over mere speech.