Interpretation of the Twenty-Seventh Rule of Love

Rule Number 27 — This world is like a snowy mountain that echoes your voice. Whatever you speak, good or evil, will somehow come back to you. Therefore, if there is someone who harbours ill thoughts about you, saying similarly bad things about him will only make matters worse. You will be locked in a vicious circle of malevolent energy. Instead for forty days and nights say and think nice things about that person. Everything will be different at the end of 40 days, because you will be different inside.

– Shams, to Sultan Walad

Context - This rule is introduced by Shams when Rumi’s elder son, Sultan Walad, expresses concern about the growing negative public opinion surrounding the relationship between Shams and Rumi. It is in this situation that the rule finds its true relevance in the story.

Interpretation within the Story - Rumi was followed by thousands who deeply respected him. He was known as a learned scholar and an inspiring preacher. However, when he came into contact with Shams, whose unconventional teachings began transforming Rumi’s beliefs and perspectives, it was natural that many of his followers felt uncomfortable and resistant to this change.

As a result, people in Konya began spreading various rumours about Rumi and Shams. Shams addresses this negativity through this rule, emphasizing that responding to negativity with negativity only perpetuates the cycle. Instead, one should pray for those who speak ill of them. This approach not only brings positive change within oneself but may also influence the other person, if they are open to change.

Deeper Interpretation Beyond the Story - This rule suggests that the world functions like an echo, reflecting back whatever we project. Many mystics have described this through the metaphor of a mirror, stating that what we see outside is a reflection of what exists within us.

If someone speaks hurtful words about us and we respond in the same manner, the cycle continues endlessly. The other person will respond again, and the chain of negativity will persist. It becomes essential to break this cycle to preserve our time, energy, and inner peace. Otherwise, our energy is wasted on meaningless conflicts.

We must recognize that our time and energy are limited. They are meant to be used creatively and meaningfully. If we keep reacting to every negative action or word directed at us, we risk losing this life without achieving anything of real value.

Choosing not to respond to negativity is not a favour to the other person; it is a favour to ourselves. It is an act of self-preservation.

Shams advises that instead of speaking ill of such individuals, we should pray for them for forty days and nights. This practice transforms negative energy into positive energy. If someone insults us and we respond with goodwill—or even silence—we step out of the cycle of negativity.

At the same time, we initiate a new cycle of positive energy. Just as negativity echoes back, so does positivity. The universe reflects our inner state back to us.

Why Forty Days?

Developing any habit, whether positive or negative, requires time. Consistency reflects sincerity. Anyone can briefly wish well for their enemy at a superficial level, but maintaining this intention over a prolonged period requires genuine effort and courage.

This is why the practice is prescribed for forty days. Across cultures and spiritual traditions, discipline and repetition over time are essential for inner transformation.

Will the Other Person Change After Forty Days?

There is no certainty that the other person will change. However, the one who sincerely practices this for forty days will definitely undergo a transformation. Their perspective towards the situation—and towards life itself—will shift.

By radiating positive energy, they will begin to attract positive people, while negative influences will gradually fade away.

As for the other person, change is only possible when they are willing to acknowledge their behaviour and make an effort to improve.

Final Insight

Our focus should always remain on ourselves. In this sense, being “selfish” means protecting our peace, energy, and inner growth.

Gratitude!!!