In Book 2 of the Masnavi, during the story of the bankrupt prisoner, the inmates complain to the judge's deputy about the bankrupt man's voracious appetite and shameless exploitation. When they confront him, the bankrupt man justifies his gluttony by quoting the Quranic command 'Eat' (Kulu), arguing that he is merely obeying God's permission. Rumi uses this episode as an allegory for the carnal soul (nafs) and religious hypocrites who twist sacred scripture to satisfy their worldly, insatiable desires. The prison inmates represent seekers of truth whose spiritual and physical sustenance is devoured by such toxic, greedy influences.