Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi

WHO IS RUMI

Rumi, whose full name is Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, was a 13th-century Persian poet, mystic, and philosopher. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest mystical poets in literature and is often referred to as Mevlana, meaning "our master" in Arabic, or simply as Rumi. Born in Balkh (in present-day Afghanistan) in 1207, Rumi's family moved to Konya, which is in modern-day Turkey, due to political turmoil in the region.

Rumi's works, especially his poetry, profoundly influenced Islamic mysticism and spirituality. His most famous literary masterpiece is the "Masnavi" or "Mathnawi," a six-volume epic poem considered one of the greatest works of Sufi literature. The "Masnavi" covers a wide range of topics, including love, philosophy, mysticism, and spirituality, and is written in the form of poetic storytelling.
Rumi's poetry often revolves around themes of love, spirituality, unity, and the longing for union with the divine. His writings transcend cultural and religious boundaries, appealing to people of various backgrounds and beliefs worldwide. Rumi's emphasis on love as a means of reaching spiritual enlightenment and unity with the divine has made his works immensely popular and widely translated.
He was also the founder of the Mevlevi Order, known for its practice of the Whirling Dervishes, a unique form of worship involving spinning movements aimed at reaching a state of spiritual ecstasy.
Rumi's impact extends far beyond his time, and his teachings continue to inspire and resonate with people seeking spiritual growth, unity, and a deeper understanding of the human experience. His profound insights into love, spirituality, and the human soul have earned him recognition as a global literary and spiritual figure.

RUMI AND ŞEMS

Şems-i Tebrizi was a significant figure in Mevlana's life. Şems left a profound impact on Mevlana's life and played a significant role in his spiritual journey. Mevlana's encounter with Şems was a profound turning point in his life, and Şems's spiritual teachings deeply influenced his worldview and poetry.


Some commentators view the relationship between Mevlana and Şems as merely a spiritual friendship and a spiritual connection, while some have considered that this relationship might have included a dimension of love. Mevlana, whose poetry frequently addresses themes of love, affection, and unity, has been thought to reflect the profound emotional impact received from Şems as love in his writings.

The theme of "love" frequently mentioned in Mevlana's poetry is generally interpreted as a deep love for God, a quest for unity, and a longing for the union with the divine. Some view this love as a symbolic representation of the relationship between humans and God, while others propose that this love might have been a worldly affection for Şems.

However, the question of whether the theme of love in Mevlana's poetry was a worldly love for Şems or a deeper spiritual connection remains ambiguous. Mevlana's poetry is often filled with metaphors, symbols, and profound spiritual meanings, making it challenging to conclusively define this relationship.

In conclusion, there are various interpretations and speculations regarding the relationship between Mevlana and Şems. While some view this relationship as purely a spiritual mentorship and a spiritual connection, others have considered that there might have been a dimension of love within their relationship. However, there is no definitive information available on this matter, allowing room for open interpretation and understanding of this relationship based on different perspectives.