Quatrain 44 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi
آن را که نظر به سوی هر کس باشددر دیدهٔ صاحبنظران خس باشد
قاضی به دو شاهد بدهد فتوی شرعدر مذهب عشق شاهدی بس باشد
Description:
English Translation:
The one whose gaze wanders to everyone,
In the eyes of the discerning, is considered worthless.
A judge gives a legal ruling based on two witnesses,
But in the religion of love, one witness is enough.
Analysis:
This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi delves into the nature of love and human relationships. Let's break down the lines:
Line 1: آن را که نظر به سوی هر کس باشد
"The one whose gaze wanders to everyone,"
This line refers to a person who is fickle and easily distracted, who doesn't focus their attention or affection on one person.
Line 2: در دیدهٔ صاحبنظران خس باشد
"In the eyes of the discerning, is considered worthless."
Those who can see beyond the surface understand that such a person is not worthy of deep connection or commitment.
Line 3: قاضی به دو شاهد بدهد فتوی شرع
"A judge gives a legal ruling based on two witnesses,"
This line is a reference to Islamic law, where two witnesses are required to prove a claim.
Line 4: در مذهب عشق شاهدی بس باشد
"But in the religion of love, one witness is enough."
In contrast to the legal system, love is a personal experience that needs no external validation. The experience of love itself is sufficient proof.
Deeper Meaning:
This quatrain suggests that:
Love is a matter of the heart: Love is not based on external factors like societal rules or the opinions of others.
Focus is essential in love: True love requires focus and commitment to one person.
The experience of love is its own proof: Love is a personal experience that cannot be quantified or measured by external standards.