Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi
- Born:
- September 30, 1207, Balkh (present-day Afghanistan)
- Died:
- December 17, 1273, Konya (present-day Turkey)
- Nationality:
- Persian
- Profession(s):
- Islamic Scholar, Sufi Mystic, Poet
Early Life and Education
- Born into a family of renowned theologians and mystics.
- Father, Baha' ud-Din Walad, was a prominent religious figure and scholar.
- Early education focused on religious studies, Islamic law, and theology.
- Family migrated westward, eventually settling in Konya, Turkey (then part of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum).
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a professor of Islamic law at a young age.
- Transformed profoundly after encountering the wandering dervish Shams-i Tabrizi.
- Shams's influence led Rumi to embrace Sufism and dedicate himself to mystical poetry and spiritual guidance.
- Founded the Mevlevi Order, also known as the Whirling Dervishes, a Sufi order known for its distinctive ceremonial dance (Sema).
- Jalal ad din rumi biography poetry would not be complete without understanding this transformative influence, which shaped his most enduring work.
Notable Works
- Masnavi-ye Ma'navi (Spiritual Couplets): A six-volume epic poem considered one of the most influential works of Sufi literature.
- Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi (The Works of Shams of Tabriz): A collection of lyric poems dedicated to Shams-i Tabrizi.
- Fihi Ma Fihi (Discourses): A prose collection of Rumi's teachings and conversations.
- Maktubat (Letters): A collection of Rumi's letters to various individuals.
Legacy and Impact
Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi's poetry and teachings have transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries, inspiring generations with his message of love, unity, and spiritual awakening. He is regarded as one of the greatest mystical poets in history and his works continue to be widely read and celebrated across the globe.