Maulana Rumi

The Spiritual Journey of a Mystic Poet and His Lasting Legacy in Sufism

Abstract

Mualana Rumi, born in 1207 A.D. in Balkh, emerged as a great spiritual guide, poet, and thinker whose works have transcended time and space, influencing both the Muslim world and the West. Despite facing the turmoil of his era, including the destruction of Baghdad by the Mongols, Rumi’s migration led him to Konya, where he eventually became a towering figure in the history of Sufism. His journey of spiritual discovery was deeply influenced by pivotal figures like Shams Tabrizi, whose companionship profoundly changed Rumi, and resulted in his celebrated works, including Diwan-e-Shams Tabrizi and Mathnawi. Rumi’s life and works are marked by his deep exploration of love, which he regarded not merely as an emotional experience but as an existential force leading to the divine and to the purification of the self. He emphasized that love, grounded in spiritual separation and suffering, was an unconditional path to God and a transformative force in life. Rumi’s concept of Sama—a practice combining music, dance, and poetry—symbolized his unique approach to divine remembrance and spiritual ecstasy. Rumi’s philosophy of love, Tawakkul (trust in God), faqr (spiritual poverty), and the transformation of the self have had a lasting impact on Islamic mysticism. His teachings later influenced modern thinkers like Iqbal, who embraced Rumi’s vision while also expanding upon it, highlighting their shared affinities and subtle differences in the interpretation of self-realization and spiritual love.