Journey into the Life and Legacy of Rumi
In our quest to comprehend the journey and legacy of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic jurist, and theologian, we must transport ourselves back to the mystical realm of the Muslim world during the Middle Ages. A time of profound turmoil and transformation, it was also an epoch that witnessed the emergence of some of the most phenomenal talents in literature, philosophy and spirituality. Foremost amongst them was Rumi, whose timeless wisdom continues to inspire, influence, and ignite minds to the present day.
Rumi was born in 1207 in Balkh, in present-day Afghanistan, to a family steeped in Islamic jurisprudence. His father was Baha al-Din Walad, an eminent religious scholar and spiritual teacher. From an early age, Rumi was immersed in a realm of knowledge, spirituality, and enlightenment that was to shape radically his outlook on life and the world around him.
The fledgeling poet’s life took a dramatic turn in 1215 when, fearing the impending invasion by the Mongol armies, his family decided to embark on a journey towards safety. A voyage that took them to many religious centres, this pilgrimage proved to be a significant formative influence in Rumi's nascent mind. The family eventually settled in Konya, in present-day Turkey, where Rumi lived and wrote most of his celebrated works.
As we delve deeper into Rumi's life, we encounter a turning point that significantly influenced his philosophical outlook and literary style – the meeting with the wandering dervish, Shams Tabrizi. Shams ignited the flame of divine love in Rumi, filling his heart with an all-consuming passion that he manifested in his enchanting verses. Rumi's poetry, replete with references to this profound love, is a testament to the deep spiritual bond he shared with Shams.
While Rumi's philosophical and spiritual leanings form an integral part of his legacy, his impact on literature, particularly in the form of his poetry, cannot be overstated. His masterpiece, the Mathnawi, often referred to as the Persian Koran, is hailed as one of the greatest works in religious literature. Consisting of approximately 25,000 rhyming couplets, the Mathnawi is a compendium of stories designed to illustrate the path of Sufi practice leading to enlightenment.
Rumi's other significant contribution is the creation of the Mevlevi Sufi order, colloquially referred to as the Whirling Dervishes, who use dance as a form of prayer and meditation. This form of commemoration, known as Sema, represents a mystical journey of spiritual ascent towards 'the Truth'. Rumi's teachings thus extended beyond just written texts and were embodied in the practices of his followers.
The universality of Rumi’s poetry, transcending geographic, cultural, and religious barriers, has cemented his place as a globally renowned philosopher-poet. Centuries after his demise, his works continue to be widely read, highlighting their enduring relevance. His profound explorations of love – terrestrial and divine – and his teachings of tolerance and introspection are particularly treasured in modern times.
In essence, Rumi's life and teachings serve as a beacon of spiritual enlightenment, advocating love, peace, and unity. His legacy continues to inspire and influence individuals across the world, echoing his words, "You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop". The universality of his themes, the depth of his insights, and the elegance of his verses ensure that Rumi's legacy will endure for generations to come.
Rumi’s Early Life and Influence of His Father
Billed as one of history’s greatest philosophers and poets, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi’s riveting story starts in the 13th Century, in the enchanting city of Balkh, located in today's Afghanistan. Born into a noble family with a rich history of religious scholarship, Rumi's early years were steeped in intellectual growth, which played an integral part in shaping his life and work.
Rumi was the son of Baha al-Din Walad, a well-renowned spiritual leader and preacher, who was considered the Sultan of Scholars in Balkh, an ancient centre of learning, science, and culture. Walad, a formidable force in Rumi's life, had an ethos that was rooted in adhering strictly to jurisprudence and the tenets of religion. His knowledge was highly respected, and Rumi was deeply influenced by his father’s teachings, thoughts, and actions.
From an early age, Walad ensured that his son received an excellent education, particularly focusing on religious texts and studies. It was under his guidance that Rumi learned the Quran and Hadith, along with the accompanying jurisprudence. He also introduced Rumi to Islamic mystic literature, including tales of the Prophet’s companions and Islam's revered saints, igniting an early spiritual flame within the young Rumi.
The young Rumi was a passionate learner, absorbing his father’s teachings and becoming well versed in religious philosophy. He was fond of his father's storytelling style, which gave life to the didactic and moral messages. He often accompanied his father to religious gatherings and discourses, further cementing his foundational understanding of religious philosophy and the importance of love, compassion, and unity in the spiritual journey.
As the Mongol threat loomed over Balkh, Walad, with his family and a group of disciples, began an arduous journey traversing diverse regions with rich cultures. Rumi had the fortune of being introduced to cultures that extended beyond his homeland. This experience was to enrich his intellectual and spiritual senses, providing sources of inspirations that he would later weave into his poetry.
The loss of his father was undoubtedly a significant turning point in Rumi's life. Now cut adrift from his father's spiritual and intellectual guidance, he followed in his footsteps, stepping into his role as a teacher and preacher, serving the spiritual community that Walad had built.
It’s evident that Rumi's father significantly influenced Rumi's path, shaping him as a scholar, a teacher, a philosopher, and ultimately, the mystic poet of love and humanity that Rumi is celebrated for being today. The essence of Walad's teachings—encompassing ethics, morality, and Sufism—informs much of Rumi's oeuvre. It’s safe to say that Rumi's evolution into a transcendent philosopher-poet was, in many ways, a fruition of his father's mentorship and influence.
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