Outward colours arise from the light of sun and stars, and inward colours from the Light on high. The light that lights the eye is also the heart’s Light. The eye’s light proceeds from the Light of the heart. But the light that lights the heart is the Light of God, which is distinct from the light of reason and sense. At night there is no light, and colours are not seen. Hence we know what light is by its opposite, darkness. At night no colours are visible, for light is lacking. How can colour be the attribute of dark blackness? Looking on light is the same as looking on colours. Opposite shows up opposite.

~ MATHNAWI ~