Rumi's Masnavi - I made him my qibla (object of desire): I let the original qibla-Maker fall (into neglect).”

I made him my qibla (object of desire): I let the original qibla-Maker fall (into neglect).”

من مرورا قبله‌ی خود ساختم ** قبله‌ساز اصل را انداختم

Where were we when the Judge of Judgement (Day) was sowing reason in the water and clay (of Adam)?—

ما کجا بودیم کان دیان دین ** عقل می‌کارید اندر آب و طین

Since (’twas for us that) He was producing the sky from non-existence and spreading this carpet of earth, 3135

چون همی کرد از عدم گردون پدید ** وین بساط خاک را می‌گسترید

And making lamps of the stars, and of the (four) natural properties a lock together with the keys (to open it).

ز اختران می‌ساخت او مصباح‌ها ** وز طبایع قفل با مفتاح‌ها

Oh, how many structures hidden (from sight) and plain to see has He enclosed in this roof (heaven) and this carpet (earth)!

ای بسا بنیادها پنهان و فاش ** مضمر این سقف کرد و این فراش

Adam is the astrolabe of the attributes of (Divine) Sublimity: the nature of Adam is the theatre for His revelations.

آدم اصطرلاب اوصاف علوست ** وصف آدم مظهر آیات اوست

Whatever appears in him (Adam) is the reflexion of Him, just as the moon is reflected in the water of the river.

هرچه در وی می‌نماید عکس اوست ** هم‌چو عکس ماه اندر آب جوست

The figures (cut) on the “spider” (uppermost tablet) on his astrolabe are there for the sake of (typifying) the Eternal Attributes, 3140

بر صطرلابش نقوش عنکبوت ** بهر اوصاف ازل دارد ثبوت

In order that its “spider” may give lessons in exposition of the sky of the Unseen and the sun of the Spirit.

تا ز چرخ غیب وز خورشید روح ** عنکبوتش درس گوید از شروح

Without a (spiritual) astronomer (to explain their significance), the “spider” and this astrolabe which guides aright fall (uselessly) into the hands of the vulgar.

عنکبوت و این صطرلاب رشاد ** بی‌منجم در کف عام اوفتاد