Mevlana Jalal ad-Din Rumi: The Poet of Love and Spiritual Wisdom 

Mevlana Jalal ad-Din Rumi, commonly known as Rumi, is one of the most influential poets, philosophers, and spiritual leaders in world history. Born in 1207 in Balkh (modern-day Afghanistan), Rumi’s life and work have transcended national, cultural, and religious boundaries, making him an enduring figure in both Eastern and Western thought. He is best known for his poetry, which explores themes of love, unity, and the divine, and for his role in founding the Mevlevi Order, also known as the Whirling Dervishes.

Early Life and Spiritual Journey

Rumi was born into a well-respected family of scholars. His father, Baha’ al-Din Walad, was a famous theologian and spiritual teacher. The family’s early life was marked by both intellectual pursuit and spiritual devotion, but their lives were turned upside down when they fled from the advancing Mongol invasions in the early 13th century. This journey took them to Konya (in present-day Turkey), where Rumi would spend the rest of his life.

In Konya, Rumi’s spiritual path began to take shape. Initially, he followed in his father’s footsteps as a scholar and teacher, but his life changed profoundly when he met the wandering mystic Shams of Tabriz. Shams introduced Rumi to a deeper understanding of the divine, and their intense spiritual friendship became the catalyst for Rumi’s transformation from a conventional scholar to a passionate poet and spiritual guide.

The Impact of Shams of Tabriz

Shams of Tabriz, a Sufi mystic, was a key figure in Rumi’s life. Their relationship is often described as one of intense love and mutual transformation. Shams challenged Rumi’s intellectual approach to spirituality, encouraging him to look beyond the outer world and into the depths of the heart. The loss of Shams, who mysteriously disappeared in 1247, had a profound impact on Rumi. It is believed that this event led Rumi to a period of deep sorrow, but it also inspired the prolific poetry that would come to define his legacy.

Shams' influence on Rumi was so great that many of Rumi’s most famous works were inspired by their spiritual friendship, with Rumi’s poetry often written as a dialogue with or about Shams. Rumi’s Divan-e-Shams-e-Tabrizi (The Collected Poems of Shams of Tabriz) reflects the mystical and ecstatic union he experienced with Shams, and it is one of his most significant poetic works.

Rumi’s Poetry and Philosophical Thought

Rumi’s poetry is renowned for its spiritual depth and universal appeal. His works, written primarily in Persian, reflect the themes of love, divine union, and the search for truth. The essence of Rumi’s thought is that love is the ultimate force of the universe, transcending all distinctions—whether they be between human beings or between humanity and the divine.

His most famous work, the Mathnawi (also known as the Masnavi-i Ma'navi or Spiritual Couplets), is a six-book epic that combines stories, parables, and philosophical teachings. It is often considered one of the greatest works of Persian literature and Sufi mysticism. The Mathnawi is a guide to spiritual enlightenment and is filled with insights into the nature of the soul, the divine, and the path of self-realization.

Rumi’s teachings emphasize the idea that the journey to God is an inward one, and that the heart must be purified through love and devotion. His famous lines, such as "Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in new form" and "You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop," encapsulate the universal spiritual truths he shared with the world. These lines reflect the central Sufi idea that all of creation is a manifestation of the divine, and that the ultimate goal of life is union with the divine source.

The Mevlevi Order and the Whirling Dervishes

Rumi’s teachings were not only expressed in his poetry, but also through the foundation of the Mevlevi Order, which became known to the world as the Whirling Dervishes. The Mevlevi Order is a Sufi order that practices dhikr (remembrance of God) through the whirling dance, which symbolizes the soul’s spiritual ascent toward the divine. This practice, known as the Sema, involves the whirling dervishes spinning in circles while listening to the music of the ney (a reed flute), creating a state of ecstatic trance. The Sema is not just a physical dance; it is a spiritual act of union with the divine.

Rumi’s establishment of the Mevlevi Order helped spread his teachings throughout the Islamic world and beyond. The Order became a major force in spreading Sufi mysticism, and it continues to be an influential spiritual tradition today. The practice of whirling, in particular, has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Sufi spirituality.

Legacy and Influence

Rumi passed away in 1273 in Konya, but his influence has only grown since his death. His works have been translated into numerous languages, and his poetry continues to be read and revered worldwide. His teachings on love, unity, and spiritual transcendence have inspired people of all cultures and religions, making him one of the most widely read poets in the world.

In the West, Rumi’s popularity surged in the late 20th century, particularly through translations by poets such as Coleman Barks. His work resonates with contemporary readers for its universal themes of love, spiritual seeking, and the interconnectedness of all people. Many view Rumi not just as a spiritual leader, but as a universal philosopher whose ideas transcend religious and cultural boundaries.

Rumi's message is one of compassion, acceptance, and self-realization. His teachings invite individuals to look beyond the ego, to seek the divine within themselves, and to embrace the transformative power of love. As he famously said: "The wound is the place where the Light enters you."

Important Places in Rumi’s Life:

1. Balkh: Rumi's birthplace, located in modern-day Afghanistan, where he spent his early years before fleeing with his family due to the Mongol invasions.

2. Konya: The city where Rumi spent most of his life and where he established the Mevlevi Order. It remains a pilgrimage site for his followers and those who seek spiritual wisdom.

3. The Shrine of Rumi in Konya: The location of Rumi's tomb, which has become a major site of pilgrimage for both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. It continues to attract thousands of visitors annually who come to pay tribute to his spiritual legacy.

4. Shams of Tabriz’s Disappearance: Although Shams of Tabriz disappeared mysteriously from Konya in 1247, his influence on Rumi remains palpable in Rumi's work. The story of their relationship is central to understanding Rumi’s transformation into a spiritual poet.

Conclusion

Mevlana Jalal ad-Din Rumi's life and teachings have had an enduring impact on spiritual thought, poetry, and mysticism. As a poet, philosopher, and spiritual leader, Rumi's message of love and unity continues to resonate across time and space. His work speaks to the heart of the human condition, urging us to look beyond the superficial divisions of the world and seek a deeper connection with the divine. Today, Rumi remains a beacon of wisdom and spiritual light, reminding us that, in his words, "we are all just walking each other home."

Written by Rüzgar Kaçmaz
Edited by Rüzgar Kaçmaz
Idea by Nisan Coşgun

Türkçesi için tıklayınız.