I have compiled a comprehensive list encompassing all the rules delineated in the The 40 rules of love by Elif Shafak. These rules, totaling forty in number, exhibit a discernible sequential pattern, with certain entries explicitly numbered. Notably, the numerical sequence in Shams’s rules correlates consistently with the sequential order of presentation within the book.

Introduction

In Elif Shafak’s book “The 40 Rules of Love,” the rules are conveyed by Shams of Tabriz, a mystic and spiritual instructor, to the character Rumi, who is a renowned 13th-century Persian poet and Islamic scholar. Shams imparts these rules to Rumi as part of their transformative and enlightening interactions, shaping Rumi’s spiritual journey and worldview. The novel explores the deep connection and spiritual mentorship between Shams and Rumi, with the rules serving as a guiding philosophy for Rumi’s personal and creative development.

Rule 1 - God & You

This saying is like a divine personality test: if God has you sweating and pointing fingers, it’s a sign you’ve got a personal fear and blame factory working overtime in your soul. On the flip side, if you see God as the ultimate cosmic hug-giver, congratulations – you’ve probably got a heart full of love and compassion, and your spiritual selfie is all rainbows and warm fuzzies. So, in heavenly terms, it’s less about finding God and more about discovering if you’ve accidentally created a divine mirror reflecting your emotional closet.

Rule 2

Embarking on the Truth train is less of a brainy expedition and more of a cardio workout for your heart muscles. Forget about your noggin; let your heart take the driver’s seat. Wrestle with your nafs (inner desires and ego) using heartfelt moves – it’s like a soulful wrestling match. Once you’ve pinned down your ego, voila! You’ve just unlocked the divine cheat code to God-level knowledge. It’s basically heart over head, folks – your ticker is the real MVP on this quest for wisdom!

Rule 3

Think of God like a hide-and-seek champion – you won’t find Him just chilling in a fancy building. Nope, He’s everywhere, playing peekaboo in the entire universe. But, if you’re on a divine scavenger hunt and want the GPS coordinates to His secret lair, spoiler alert: it’s in the heart of someone who’s head over heels in love. Forget about Google Maps; true love is the ultimate divine hotspot. So, if you’re searching for God, ditch the map and follow the trail of heart-shaped breadcrumbs. Just be careful not to trip over the butterflies along the way.

Rule 4

Picture intellect as a meticulous architect, meticulously planning and cautioning, “Watch out for too much excitement!” Meanwhile, love is the carefree artist, throwing caution to the wind, yelling, “Dive in, who cares!” Intellect is like a fortress – sturdy and unyielding – always on guard. Love, on the other hand, is a bit of a demolition expert, happily turning itself into a romantic wreck. Sure, love might leave you in ruins, but guess what? That’s where the treasures, aka hidden heart bling, are stashed. So, while intellect is busy giving safety tips, love is out there doing cannonballs into the pool of life, creating a beautiful mess along the way.

Rule 5

Imagine the world as a giant game of telephone, but instead of giggles, we’ve got global issues. The root cause? Linguistic mix-ups and people misinterpreting each other like charades gone wrong. The advice here? Don’t trust words – they’re the ultimate tricksters. Now, when you waltz into the love arena, brace yourself because language decides to take a coffee break. It’s like, “Sorry, folks, I’m outta here!” Love becomes a silent movie, and anything too epic for words can only be understood through the language of hush-hush. So, next time someone hands you a dictionary, just toss it into the love zone and watch it vanish like a magician’s rabbit. Silly words, love speaks in silence!

Rule 6

Alright, imagine loneliness as that clingy friend who won’t leave you alone, whispering, “You’re doing great, buddy!” even when you’re lost in the wilderness of life. Now, solitude, on the other hand, is the solo vacation you didn’t know you needed – being alone but feeling like a total boss. But wait for it, the real jackpot is finding a partner who’s your mirror – not just for those epic selfie moments, but because in her heart, you discover the divine GPS that points straight to the real you and a cosmic “You Are Here” sign pointing to the presence of God. Turns out, the best company is the one that helps you locate yourself on the celestial map while also laughing at your terrible jokes. Who knew self-discovery could be this amusing?

Rule 7

Think of life as a sitcom. Even when the plot twists seem like the writers ran out of ideas and slammed all the doors shut, fear not! God is the ultimate showrunner, and just when you think you’re stuck in reruns, bam! A brand-new path opens up, like a surprise season drop. Now, gratitude – that’s the real twist in the plot. It’s easy when life’s a rom-com, but here’s the Sufi twist: being thankful not just for the fancy gifts but also for the times when life hands you a plot twist and says, “Sorry, that’s a hard pass.” It’s like being grateful for the “plot holes” because, let’s face it, they make life one heck of an unpredictable sitcom. So, next time life feels like a confusing episode, remember, it’s just building up to the grand finale – you know, the one with the big reveal and unexpected laughter.

Rule 8

Alright, patience is not just sitting there twiddling your thumbs – it’s like having X-ray vision for the grand finale. Picture this: patience is not staring at a thorn and going, “Ouch!” Instead, it’s like having a superhero ability to see the rose that’s about to bloom right next to it. Impatience, well, that’s just being nearsighted, missing the big picture like a superhero without their glasses.

Now, lovers of God are basically time wizards. They’re the Gandalfs of the spiritual realm, understanding that it takes a bit for the crescent moon of life to go full disco ball. So, next time you’re feeling impatient, just imagine yourself with a Gandalf beard, telling time to chill because the real magic is just around the corner. Time might be a slowpoke, but hey, even the turtle won the race against the hare, right? Patience, my friend, it’s the superpower you never knew you needed!

Rule 9

Imagine you’re on a quest for the ultimate snack – whether it’s in the east, west, south, or north, it doesn’t matter. The real magic is not in the destination but in the journey. Now, this isn’t your typical road trip; it’s more like a snack hunt within yourself. Picture it: you’re not just munching on chips; you’re nibbling on the mysteries of your soul.

So, the next time you’re stuck in traffic or delayed at an airport, don’t stress. You’re not late; you’re just taking a detour through the depths of your own awesomeness. It’s like a journey within is the ultimate travel hack – forget the passport; pack some introspection! You might not get a stamp in your physical passport, but your soul’s collection will be out of this world. Bon appétit, fellow snack hunter!

Rule 10

Think of life as a cosmic maternity ward. The midwife, who’s basically the universe’s delivery expert, knows the drill. No pain, no baby – it’s like the universe’s way of saying, “Sorry, gotta feel the squeeze to make an entrance!”

Now, your personal rebirth, your “new self” – that’s like upgrading to the deluxe version of you. But guess what? Hardship is the rite of passage. It’s the universe’s way of giving you a makeover – a bit like putting clay in a spa, but instead of cucumber slices, it’s intense heat. Love, in this scenario, is the ultimate beauty treatment, and it apparently comes with a bit of pain. So, the next time life feels like it’s turning up the heat, just think of it as the universe giving you a spa day for your soul – and hey, who said makeovers were painless, right?

Rule 11 - Seeker

Imagine the quest for love as a cosmic app – it’s like Tinder for the soul. So, when you hit that search button for love, it’s not just about finding a cosmic match; it’s about a whole system upgrade. No one escapes this love-seeking journey without a bit of soul maturation. It’s like the universe is saying, “Oh, you want love? Buckle up, buttercup, because we’re taking you on a ride – both inside and outside.”

So, next time you’re on the lookout for love, don’t be surprised if you suddenly feel wiser and maybe even start using words like “maturation.” It’s the glow-up that comes with the territory. The quest for love is not just about finding someone to share memes with; it’s about evolving into the upgraded version of yourself. Happy love hunting, fellow explorers! May your soul find its perfect match!

Rule 12

Imagine the world is a giant talent show, and everywhere you look, there are more fake gurus and self-proclaimed life coaches than there are stars in the night sky. It’s like everyone’s got a life advice booth, and some are just in it for the glittery cape and spotlight.

Now, here’s the pro tip: don’t mistake the drama queens for the real deal. True mentors aren’t the ones with power-hungry vibes; they’re more like the spiritual sidekicks, the Gandalfs without the pointy hats. They’re not there to hog the stage or demand applause; they’re basically as transparent as glass – no smoke, no mirrors, just good vibes.

So, the next time someone claims to have the secret to the universe, just remember: real mentors don’t block your view; they’re more like the Windex, helping you see your inner awesomeness clearly. Because let’s face it, in this talent show, it’s the real, transparent mentors who let the light of God pass through – no need for flashy fireworks or magic tricks!

Rule 13

Think of life as a acrobat doing somersaults – sometimes it feels like it’s turning your world upside down. Now, the universe says, “Chill, my friend, and let life do its thing through you.” It’s like being the passenger in the wildest rollercoaster, and you’re not even sure if you’re on the right side up.

So, the next time life throws you a curveball, just imagine it’s the universe’s way of testing your acrobatic skills. Who knows, maybe upside down is the new right side up, and the universe is just trying out a funky dance move. Remember, resisting change is like telling the DJ to stick to the same old song – where’s the fun in that? So, embrace the chaos, and who knows, you might just discover your inner acrobat is a secret breakdancer! Life’s a wild ride; might as well dance through the twists and turns!

Rule 14

Imagine God as the ultimate multitasker, juggling to-do lists for every person on Earth. It’s like He’s your personal project manager, working on your masterpiece both on the surface and deep within. You’re basically God’s ongoing art project, and He’s the ultimate artist, totally absorbed in crafting your epic saga.

Now, here’s the twist: we’re all masterpieces in the making, like God’s own collection of evolving doodles. He’s so into it that He’s dealing with each of us individually, like a meticulous artist obsessed with every tiny detail. It’s like we’re part of this grand masterpiece, and every dot in the divine doodle is crucial.

So, the next time you feel like life is a bit chaotic, just remember, God’s in His studio, paintbrush in one hand, divine coffee in the other, working on your epic portrait. You’re not a rough draft; you’re a work of art in progress – a masterpiece with a touch of humor. Keep being your unique dot in the grand canvas of humanity!

Rule 15

Think of it like having a crush on a superhero – loving a perfect God is a breeze because, well, He’s flawless, like a divine Marvel character. Now, switch gears to your fellow humans; it’s like trying to love a bunch of quirky side characters with their own unique set of imperfections. It’s a bit like choosing between a superhero with a sleek costume and one with a cape made of mismatched socks.

Now, here’s the plot twist: you can only truly love what you understand. It’s like trying to appreciate the complexities of superhero backstories – you won’t get it unless you’re a fan. So, if you want the ultimate superhero wisdom, start by embracing the quirks and imperfections of your fellow humans. It’s the prerequisite for joining the ultimate fan club – loving and understanding God. Because, let’s face it, even superheroes have their off days, and love is the ultimate fan club pass. Suit up, embrace the quirks, and get ready for the premiere!

Rule 16

Think of faith like a superhero costume – the real deal is the one you’re wearing on the inside, not the flashy cape and tights. It’s like being in a superhero shower; everything else just washes off.

Now, here’s the laundry tip: there’s a specific kind of dirt that’s like a stubborn spaghetti stain on your superhero suit – it’s called hatred and bigotry. Regular water won’t cut it; you need the superhero detergent of love to get rid of that soul spaghetti sauce.

So, if you’re thinking of detoxing, skip the superhero juice cleanse and go for the love infusion. It’s like upgrading your heart’s operating system from Windows Hatred to LoveOS – guaranteed to make your superhero heart sparkle. Because let’s face it, no amount of abstinence or fasting can match the purifying power of a love-soaked heart. Time to unleash the superhero bubble bath of love!

Rule 17

Picture yourself as the ultimate storage unit – the whole universe, from cool gadgets to those things you’d rather not deal with, is packed inside you like a suitcase. It’s like the universe looked at you and said, “You know what, let’s put everything in there, even the stuff you’re not a fan of, just for kicks.”

Now, the twist: don’t go blaming external forces like a scapegoat. The devil, or as I like to call it, the internal mischief manager, isn’t this extraordinary villain from a Marvel movie. Nope, it’s just that pesky voice inside your head, probably munching on mental popcorn and stirring up trouble.

So, the next time you’re tempted to blame Sheitan for your mishaps, just remember, it’s more like a mischievous roommate living inside your head. The key to mastering this chaos? Face yourself with honesty and a vacuum cleaner – because, let’s be real, even the universe could use a good spring cleaning! Time to tidy up the apartment of your mind!

Rule 18

Think of it like a beauty pageant – if you want the universe to treat you like the star you are, start with some self-love glam. It’s like giving yourself a makeover, and once you’ve nailed it, even those thorns others throw your way become confetti in the grand parade of roses. So, don’t just be a contestant; be the crowned queen or king of the catwalk, strutting with gratitude for every thorn – they’re just the universe’s way of practicing its aim before showering you in floral glory!

Rule 19

It’s like giving life the GPS slip – don’t stress about where the road trip is headed. Focus on the first step, which is basically the warm-up dance. Once you’ve nailed that, let the universe do its thing. And here’s the pro tip: don’t just go with the flow; be the flow, like a river doing the cha-cha. Who knew life’s journey could be this much of a dance-off? Step one, dance move initiated!

Rule 20 - Diversity

Imagine God as the ultimate artist with a paint palette, and He decided to create a bunch of masterpieces – that’s us! Now, here’s the punchline: we’re all unique doodles in God’s sketchbook, no copy-paste allowed. If He wanted a bunch of clones, He would’ve hit the copy button.

So, next time someone tries to turn the sketchbook into a coloring book, just remind them that even God didn’t use the copy-paste shortcut. Disrespecting differences is like telling God, “Hey, nice art, but let’s stick to one color, shall we?” Let the doodles be, folks; they’re all part of God’s holy art class.

Rule 21

Imagine you’re in a party – a lover of God turns a regular tavern into a prayer room, praying while others party. But, if a wine enthusiast walks in, suddenly it’s a pub crawl in there. Now, here’s the twist: it’s not about the outer party vibe; it’s all about the inner disco in your heart.

Sufis are basically the party planners who don’t judge a book by its cover; they judge it by its dance moves. When a Sufi looks at you, they’re not just using regular eyes; they’ve got this third eye that sees the soul’s dance moves. So, next time you’re at a party, just remember, it’s not about the bling; it’s all about the dance floor in your heart. Dance on, party people!

Rule 22

Think of life as a rental and this world as a not-so-fancy knockoff. It’s like getting excited about a toy, but hey, only kids think it’s the real deal. Now, here’s the punchline: humans either get obsessed with the toy or treat it like a stress ball.

So, tip: avoid the extreme rollercoaster rides of life; they’re like trying to balance spaghetti on a fork. Sufis are basically the chill surfers; they don’t ride the extreme waves – it’s all about moderation. Life’s a playground, not a demolition derby; play nice, folks!

Rule 23

Imagine you’re part of a divine delegation – basically, God gave you a special role and even threw in some divine spirit vibes. Now, the task is to ask yourself, “How often am I playing the role of God’s awesome delegate on Earth?” It’s like having a backstage pass to the divine concert, and God’s expecting you to rock it. So, dust off that delegate badge, find your inner divine spirit, and start living the VIP life. After all, being God’s delegate comes with some pretty sweet perks!

Rule 24

Think of life as a rollercoaster – heaven and hell are not some far-off theme parks; they’re the loops and drops of your everyday moments. So, instead of stressing about a future fiery barbecue or daydreaming about cloud parties, focus on the rollercoaster of now.

Falling in love? That’s like riding the exhilarating loop to heavenly heights. But, if you’re busy hating, envying, or starting wrestling matches, well, buckle up for the fiery descent into the pits of hell. It’s like a amusement park ride, but with more emotional twists and turns. So, the next time you’re on the love-hate rollercoaster, just remember, it’s not about the destination; it’s all about the loop-de-loops of the present moment. Happy coaster riding!

Rule 25

Think of reading the Holy Qur’an like solving a puzzle – everyone’s got their own decoder ring. Now, there are four levels to this mind-bending puzzle:

• The “Outer Space” Level: This is where most folks hang out. It’s like reading the Qur’an on the surface, where the words mean what they seem to mean.

• The “Inner Ninja” Level (Batin): Now we’re talking stealth mode. It’s like finding secret compartments in the puzzle – deeper meanings hiding in plain sight.

• The “Inception” Level (Inner of the Inner): Imagine a puzzle within a puzzle. This level is like the dream within a dream – the layers of understanding get even trippier.

• The “Speechless Deep Dive” Level: This is the ocean of understanding, so deep you can’t even find words for it. It’s like trying to describe the taste of water to a fish – indescribable and mind-boggling.

So, next time you’re diving into the puzzle of the Holy Qur’an, just know you’ve got layers to peel off, like a onion but with more wisdom and fewer tears. Happy puzzling!

Rule 26

• The universe is like a giant superhero team; everything and everyone is connected through storylines.
• We’re all in a silent group chat, whether we know it or not.
• rule #1: Don’t be a galactic troublemaker. Do no harm.
• rule #2: Channel your inner superhero – practice compassion.
• rule #3: Gossip is a no-go, even seemingly innocent remarks. Think of it as a galactic non-disclosure agreement.
• Your words are like boomerangs; they don’t vanish but hang around in infinite space.
• karma alert: What goes around comes around, so choose your words wisely.
• empathy: One person’s pain is like a galactic domino effect, and one person’s joy is the ultimate smiley chain reaction.

Rule 27

Picture this comedy: It’s like the universe is a celestial gossip queen with a hotline to karma. So, if you’re spewing words like confetti, good or bad, get ready for the boomerang. If some frenemy is sending negative vibes your way, resist the urge to retaliate with a verbal fireworks display. Think of it as a reverse roast challenge. Instead, embark on a 40-day cleanse, where you sprinkle kindness like it’s fairy dust. It’s like a self-help makeover, but instead of a glam squad, it’s 40 days of verbally pampering the person you’re convinced is brewing a secret potion to hex your socks. Trust the process; at the end of this linguistic spa retreat, you’ll be so full of rainbows and goodwill that even your pet rock will notice the transformation. After all, why join the Malevolent Energy Olympics when you can be the Gandhi of Good Vibes?

Rule 28

Buckle up for this comedy ride! So, the past is like a game of telephone, where everyone’s interpretation is more twisted than a pretzel. The future? Well, that’s just a master illusionist pulling tricks on us, making us believe it’s got a plan when it’s just making it up as it goes. Forget about time being a boring arrow; it’s more like a drunken dance instructor leading us through endless spirals. Eternity isn’t an endless Netflix queue; it’s a swanky VIP lounge where time puts on a tuxedo and takes a break. If you want to join the Illuminati of Eternal Enlightenment, ditch the past and future like bad fashion trends. Embrace the present moment like it’s a surprise party, and you’re the VIP guest. It’s like time’s own version of “Dancing with the Stars,” and you’re stealing the spotlight in your sparkly present-moment shoes.

Rule 29

Imagine destiny as a mixtape, but hold your horses—it’s not set in stone, more like Play-Doh waiting to be shaped. Living life on autopilot and letting fate be your DJ is like bringing a kazoo to a symphony. The universe has this mega playlist on 40 levels, and your destiny is like the solo section where you get to rock out. Sure, you can’t swap your instrument like trading cards, but how you jam out is totally your call. It’s like being in a rock band where destiny hands you a triangle, but it’s up to you to make it sound like a legendary guitar solo. So, embrace the groove, and don’t just be a passive listener—grab that kazoo, or triangle, or whatever life handed you, and turn it into the musical masterpiece only you can compose!

Rule 30

Imagine being a Sufi, the zen master of chill vibes. When the universe throws shade at you like confetti, you’re the VIP guest at the roast, but you keep your cool like a cucumber in a snowstorm. Picture this: you’re unjustly accused, attacked, and condemned, and you’re just there, sipping your spiritual tea, not uttering a single bad word about your critics. Blame? Oh, that’s so last enlightenment. Sufis don’t play the blame game; they’re like the Gandhis of not pointing fingers. In their perspective, opponents, rivals, and “others” are just imaginary friends because, hello, there’s no “self” in the first place. It’s like trying to blame someone for stealing your cookies when there’s only one cookie monster in the room—you! So, in Sufi land, there’s no need for a blame buffet because, my friend, there’s only One chef in the kitchen.

Rule 31 - Faith

So, boosting your faith is like baking a spiritual soufflé—you gotta soften up inside. It’s not about having a heart of stone; it’s more like aiming for a heart as soft and tender as a feather. Life, being the chef it is, throws illnesses, accidents, losses, and frights into the mix—basically, it’s the universe’s way of saying, “Hey, soften up, buddy!” It’s like a crash course in becoming less selfish and judgmental, transforming you into a compassionate and generous soul. It’s a bit like life’s boot camp for kindness. But here’s the plot twist: Some folks emerge from the culinary school with hearts fluffier than a marshmallow, while others, well, they end up as grumpy as a cat who just had its tail stepped on. So, if life hands you lemons, don’t turn into a sourpuss—make lemonade and sprinkle it with a dash of kindness!

Rule 32

Gather ‘round for this divine comedy show! So, the hotline to God is a direct line, no receptionists, no call waiting, nada. Forget about imams, priests, rabbis, or any moral big shots being your divine concierges—they’re just celestial traffic cones trying to hog the spiritual highway. Even your faith is like a GPS app; it’s helpful, but don’t turn it into a nagging backseat driver. Believe in your values, but don’t go all dictator on others; nobody likes a control freak. And here’s the real zinger: if you’re breaking hearts left and right, your religious duties are as useless as a chocolate teapot. Say no to idolatry; it’s like putting on glasses with a layer of Vaseline. Let God be your guide, not your nosy neighbor or Aunt Mildred’s advice column. Learn the truth, sure, but don’t turn it into a truthy fashion show—God’s not a fan of spiritual runway models. So, in this divine sitcom, let God be the director, and you? Well, you’re the quirky protagonist navigating the chaos with a wink and a prayer.

Rule 33

Welcome to the comedy club! So, picture this: everyone’s racing around, trying to be someone and get somewhere, but you? Oh no, you’re on a quest for the ultimate achievement—nothingness! While folks are piling up accomplishments like pancakes, you’re aiming for a life as light and empty as the number zero. It’s like trying to win a race by standing perfectly still and declaring, “I’m the champion of nothingness!” We’re all basically fancy pots; forget the bling on the outside—it’s the emptiness inside that keeps us from toppling over like a tipsy vase. So, while the world’s playing a game of Monopoly, collecting properties and titles, you’re casually chilling in the corner, playing the game of Nothingness and winning at doing absolutely nothing. It’s not about what you achieve; it’s about the consciousness of embracing nothingness and still keeping a straight face in this circus!

Rule 34

Folks, buckle up for this comedy cruise! So, submission isn’t about being a doormat or a human marshmallow. It’s not like saying, “Sure, universe, walk all over me, I’m a yoga mat.” No, no, no. It’s more like a ninja move, a power play from within. It’s like saying, “I’m so chill, I’m practically an iceberg in a sauna.” True power, my friends, is in surrendering to the divine essence of life—like giving the universe a fist bump. While the world’s having a rollercoaster ride of turbulence after turbulence, you’re sipping your smoothie in a floatie, totally unperturbed. It’s like finding tranquility in the middle of a storm, and you’re the zen master with a front-row seat. So, when life throws lemons, you’re not making lemonade; you’re juggling them like a circus performer, and the crowd’s cheering for your submission superpower!

Rule 35

Hold on to your hats for this hilarious journey through opposites! So, in this circus, it’s not the look-alikes or the routine-followers who steal the show; it’s the odd couples, the mismatches that take the limelight. And guess what? The universe is like a box of personality chocolates; all the opposites are packed inside each one of us. It’s like finding a cat lover inside a dog person or a morning person hiding in a night owl. So, buckle up, believers! You’ve got to sit down for coffee with your inner skeptic, maybe even attend a therapy session with the resident non-believer inside you. And non-believers, it’s time to invite the undercover believer for a cup of tea. It’s like a playdate with your own contradictions! Until you hit the stage of “Insane-I Kamil,” the perfect human being (because who wouldn’t want that title?), the journey is a gradual sitcom, and guess what’s the sidekick? Disbelief! So, embrace your inner contradictions like a stand-up routine; it’s the perfect warm-up act for the grand finale of becoming the “Insane-I Kamil.”

Rule 36

Hold on to your popcorn for this reciprocity rollercoaster! So, this world, my friends, is like a giant boomerang—you toss kindness, and it boomerangs back; you sprinkle evil, and watch out, it’s coming back like a karma-infused homing missile. It’s not just your neighbor plotting to steal your Wi-Fi password; God’s in on it too, playing the ultimate game of hide-and-seek. When someone’s setting a trap, God’s there with a net, doing the ultimate plot twist. It’s like God’s the James Bond of divine schemes, and we’re all just extras in the blockbuster. No leaf rustles without God’s backstage knowledge, and trust me, God’s got a front-row seat to the theater of life. So, when life feels like a sitcom with too many plot twists, just remember, it’s God’s way of making the ultimate masterpiece. It’s like a drama where God is the director, producer, and lead actor, and we’re all just trying to remember our lines in this divine comedy!

Rule 37

Get ready for the divine stand-up routine, folks! So, God, the ultimate celestial timekeeper, is like a meticulous dock maker. Picture God with a clipboard, checking off schedules and making sure everything runs smoother than a buttered slide. It’s so precise that not even a snail is a minute late or early. Even the slacker pigeons and procrastinating squirrels are right on schedule. It’s like God’s running a celestial Swiss watch factory, and Earth is the showroom model. For everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, the clock ticks with the precision of a ninja cat landing on its feet. Whether you’re a superhero or a couch potato, the clock spares no one. It’s like a Tinder date; there’s a time for love, and spoiler alert, there’s also a time for, well, breakups. So, when life feels like a time-traveling sitcom, just know that God’s the mastermind behind the scenes, orchestrating the grand opera. Cue the celestial applause for the meticulous dock maker in the sky!

Rule 38

Hold on to your laughter hats, it’s time for the comedy hour! So, here’s the deal: it’s never too late to have a intervention with yourself. Picture this: you, in front of a mirror, asking, “Am I ready to trade in this life for a upgrade? Am I ready to give myself a personality makeover?” Even if your life is like a rerun of a sitcom, playing the same old episode on repeat, it’s a pity, my friend. It’s like having a never-ending bowl of cereal for every meal—there’s so much more out there in the buffet! So, here’s the life hack: with every breath, you should be hitting the reset button like a DJ dropping a sick beat. It’s like being born anew with every sneeze, minus the diapers and baby formula. But here’s the kicker: the only way to be born into a new life is to die before death. It’s like rebirth without the whole messy business of actually kicking the bucket. So, if life feels like a Groundhog Day sequel you never asked for, just remember, you’ve got a backstage pass to the makeover show, and you’re the star!

Rule 39

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the carousel of life! So, picture this: the cast is ever-changing, like a soap opera with an infinite budget. While one character exits stage left, cue the dramatic entrance of a new one, like a game of musical chairs. It’s like the universe has a revolving door for thieves and decent folks, a never-ending job fair. The HR department is working overtime, folks! But here’s the punchline: despite all the musical chairs and revolving doors, the whole shebang remains oddly the same. It’s like trying to rearrange the furniture on a spaceship—it’s still a spaceship! So, while Sufis are doing their ethereal shuffle off this mortal coil, fear not; there’s a Sufi-in-training waiting in the wings to take the stage. It’s like a never-ending spiritual relay race, and the baton of wisdom gets passed along like a hot potato. The takeaway? In the grand theater, the show must go on, and the director is apparently a fan of sequels!

Rule 40 - Love is Love

Ladies and gentlemen, prepare for the love comedy hour! So, here’s the scoop: a life without love is like a pizza without toppings—totally bland and not worth the delivery fee. Forget the dating apps asking if you’re into spiritual, material, divine, or mundane love; those labels are just like trying to choose between flavors of ice cream—it’s all delicious! Divisions in love are like speed bumps; they just slow down the love train. Love doesn’t come with instruction manuals or nutritional labels; it’s like the mystery flavor in a lollipop. It is what it is, pure and simple, like tofu but without the existential crisis. Love is the water of life, so hydrate those emotional taste buds, folks! And when a lover enters the scene, they’re not just a person; they’re a soul on fire, like a marshmallow in the flames of passion. Brace yourselves because when fire loves water, the universe does a little salsa, and the dance floor becomes a disco inferno! Love, my friends, turns the universe into a celestial tango, and you’re the star of the ballroom!

References

• The 40 rules of love from StatGraphics Centurion, 2020
• Elif Shafak by Kennytm, 2010
• What are the Forty Rules of Love? Collated by Rand al’Thor
• 40 Rules of Love Collated by Balakrishnan Raghavan