Hazrat Rumi: The Mystic Poet of Divine Love
Hazrat Jalaluddin Rumi (1207–1273) is one of the most famous and beloved Sufi poets, scholars, and spiritual teachers in history. His poetry, infused with divine love, wisdom, and mysticism, continues to inspire millions worldwide. Rumi’s teachings transcend religious and cultural boundaries, making him a universal figure of peace and enlightenment. His works, especially the Masnavi, are considered among the greatest pieces of spiritual literature ever written.
Early Life and Background
Rumi was born on 30 September 1207 in Balkh (present-day Afghanistan) into a family of scholars and mystics. His father, Bahauddin Walad, was a prominent Islamic scholar and Sufi, known as the “Sultan of Scholars.” Due to political instability and Mongol invasions, Rumi’s family migrated to various cities, eventually settling in Konya, Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), which was under the rule of the Seljuk Empire.
As a child, Rumi received an excellent education, studying Islamic sciences, theology, and Sufism under his father and other scholars. After his father’s passing, Rumi continued his spiritual training under Burhanuddin Tirmidhi, a renowned Sufi master. He soon became a respected scholar, preacher, and teacher.
Spiritual Transformation: Meeting Shams Tabriz
Rumi’s life took a dramatic turn in 1244 when he met Shams Tabriz, a wandering dervish with deep mystical knowledge. Shams became Rumi’s spiritual guide and awakened in him an intense passion for divine love. This companionship transformed Rumi from a traditional scholar into a passionate poet and mystic.
Rumi and Shams shared a deep bond, which attracted criticism from Rumi’s followers and family. This led to Shams mysteriously disappearing, possibly being killed. Devastated by the loss, Rumi poured his sorrow, longing, and spiritual insights into poetry, giving birth to some of the most profound Sufi literature in history.
Rumi expressed his pain and spiritual awakening in these famous lines:
“Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.”
“When the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about.
Ideas, language—even the phrase each other—doesn’t make any sense.”
Rumi’s Literary Contributions
Rumi’s poetry is vast and deeply spiritual. His major works include:
1. Masnavi-e-Manavi
Often called the “Quran in Persian“, the Masnavi is a six-volume poetic masterpiece that explores themes of divine love, morality, and Sufi wisdom. It consists of thousands of verses filled with metaphors, parables, and profound teachings.
2. Divan-e-Shams Tabriz
A collection of Rumi’s ghazals (lyric poetry), written in honor of Shams. These poems express his ecstatic love for the divine and the pain of separation from his spiritual guide.
3. Fihi Ma Fihi (It Is What It Is)
A collection of Rumi’s spiritual discourses, explaining Sufi concepts in a simple yet profound manner.
4. Maktubat (Letters)
A compilation of letters Rumi wrote to his students, rulers, and disciples, providing them with spiritual guidance.
Themes in Rumi’s Poetry
Rumi’s poetry revolves around the universal themes of love, unity, and divine wisdom. Some of his central teachings include:
1. Divine Love (Ishq-e-Haqiqi)
Rumi believed that true love is not worldly but spiritual—it is the love between the soul and God. He wrote:
“Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere.
They’re in each other all along.”
2. The Journey of the Soul
Rumi often described life as a journey where the soul longs to return to its divine source. His famous poem, The Reed Flute’s Song, symbolizes the soul’s separation from God and its yearning to reunite.
3. Unity Beyond Religion
Rumi’s message was deeply inclusive. He believed in love and unity beyond religious divisions, as reflected in these verses:
“I am not Christian, nor Jewish, nor Muslim,
I am not of the East or the West.
I have put duality away,
I have seen that the two worlds are one.”
4. The Power of Silence and Stillness
Rumi emphasized inner silence as a way to connect with the divine:
“Silence is the language of God,
All else is poor translation.”
5. Finding God Within
Rumi taught that one does not need to search for God in the external world because He resides within the heart:
“You were born with wings,
Why prefer to crawl through life?”
Rumi’s Influence on Sufism
Rumi’s teachings gave rise to the Mevlevi Order, also known as the Whirling Dervishes. This Sufi order uses music and dance (Sama) as a form of devotion, symbolizing the soul’s journey toward divine love. The famous whirling dance represents spiritual ascent, shedding the ego, and merging with God.
His influence is evident in later Sufi poets such as:
- Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (Sindhi Sufi poet)
- Hazrat Bulleh Shah (Punjabi mystic)
- Hazrat Allama Iqbal (Philosopher-poet of the East)
Even today, Rumi’s poetry is widely read in both the East and the West, inspiring people of all backgrounds.
Legacy and Global Recognition
- UNESCO declared 2007 as “The Year of Rumi” in honor of his 800th birth anniversary.
- Rumi remains one of the best-selling poets in the world, with translations in numerous languages.
- His tomb in Konya, Turkey, is a major pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of visitors yearly.
Many modern scholars, poets, and even psychologists draw wisdom from Rumi’s works. His message of love, peace, and unity resonates in an era filled with divisions and conflicts.
Conclusion
Hazrat Rumi was not just a poet but a spiritual master whose words continue to illuminate the path for seekers of truth. His teachings remind us that love is the essence of existence and that true wisdom lies in transcending ego and finding unity with the divine.
His poetry, filled with divine longing, remains timeless, inspiring countless souls across centuries. As he beautifully said:
“Be like a river in generosity,
Be like the sun in compassion,
Be like the night in covering others’ faults,
Be like the earth in humility,
Either appear as you are or be as you appear.”
Rumi’s legacy is a testament to the power of love, selflessness, and divine connection, guiding humanity toward a higher purpose.