Quatrain 4 from Rubaiyat of Rumi

By @hamed

آن لعل سخن که جان دهد مرجان را

بی‌رنگ چه رنگ بخشد او مر جان را

مایه بخشد مشعلهٔ ایمان را

بسیار بگفتیم و نگفتیم آن را

Description:

English Translation:

That ruby of speech which gives life to coral
Without color, what color does it give to the soul?

It provides fuel for the torch of faith
We have said it much, and yet not said it

“That ruby of speech which gives life to coral: This line refers to the poet’s words, which are seen as precious and life-giving, comparable to a ruby that brings life to coral.

Without color, what color does it give to the soul?”: This question emphasizes the transformative power of the poet's words, suggesting that they can color and shape the soul.

It provides fuel for the torch of faith: This line indicates that the poet’s words ignite and sustain spiritual belief.

We have said it much, and yet not said it: This final line suggests the paradoxical nature of trying to articulate the divine or spiritual experiences. No matter how much is said, there is always more to be understood.