Interpretation of the Thirty-Fifth Rule of Love

Rule Number 35 — In this world, it is not similarities or regularities that take us a step forward, but blunt opposites. And all the opposites in the universe are present within each and every one of us. Therefore the believer needs to meet the unbeliever residing within. And the nonbeliever should get to know the silent faithful in him. Until the day one reaches the stage of Insan-E-Kamil, the perfect human being, faith is a gradual process and one that necessitates its seeming opposite: disbelief.

– Sultan Walad, to Aladdin

Context - This rule appears when Shams returns to Konya and is preparing to marry Kimya. Rumi’s younger son, Aladdin, feels deeply disappointed and jealous, as he himself loved Kimya and wished to marry her. To help him recognize his negative tendencies and guide him toward personal growth, Rumi’s elder son, Sultan Walad, shares this rule with him.

Interpretation within the Story - Jealousy is essentially rooted in insecurity and an inferiority complex. Aladdin’s jealousy is merely a manifestation of these inner weaknesses. By sharing this rule, Sultan Walad aims to make Aladdin aware of his shortcomings so that he can work on them and evolve into a better human being.

The true alchemy of inner transformation lies in awareness. Once we become aware, it becomes difficult to continue with negative patterns. If a person acknowledges their own negativity, that very acknowledgment begins to dissolve it. The acceptance itself carries a quality that is no longer negative.

Thus, the purpose of this rule within the story is to help Aladdin recognize his inner negativity so that he can consciously move toward his positive potential.

Deeper Interpretation Beyond the Story - Existence functions through contrasts and contradictions. In fact, it is these contrasts that allow us to understand life more deeply.

We recognize peace because violence exists. We value prosperity because poverty is present. If I say that the year 2026 is going well for me, it implies that there were years that were not as good.

Similarly, when someone claims strong belief in God, it often indicates the presence of doubt within, which that belief tries to suppress. On the other hand, if someone says they do not believe in God, they are still holding onto a belief—the belief in disbelief.

Without these polar opposites, we cannot function. Since we live in a dualistic reality, these opposites are essential. A person strives for goodness because they wish to avoid falling into negativity.

The same principle applies to our inner world. All the negative traits we observe outside exist within us in some form, just as their positive counterparts do. When we notice negativity around us, it often reflects where our inner attention and energy are directed.

What is needed is simple awareness—recognizing that we are feeding our negative side with attention and energy, which then manifests outwardly.

This awareness acts like a catalyst, gradually shifting our focus from negativity to positivity.

The essence of this rule is to continue this process of awareness until we reach a state of inner balance—where both positive and negative aspects are harmonized. This state can be described as equilibrium or enlightenment.

In essence, this rule is about cultivating awareness and ultimately attaining inner balance.

Gratitude!!!