Jalaluddin Rumi: A Spiritual Giant of 13th-Century Sufism

Full Name and Common Aliases

Jalaluddin Rumi's full name was Muhammad Jalāl ad-Dīn Maula Bukhsh (Muhammad Jalal al-Din Rumi). He is commonly known as Mevlana, which translates to "Our Master" in Turkish. Rumi's poetry has been widely translated and anthologized under the pseudonym of Rumi.

Birth and Death Dates

Jalaluddin Rumi was born on September 30, 1207 CE (Rumi was born during the time of the Islamic calendar, which is based on lunar cycles. This date corresponds to the 14th day of Rabi' al-awwal in the Hijri calendar). He passed away on December 17, 1273 CE.

Nationality and Profession(s)

Jalaluddin Rumi was a Persian poet, jurist, theologian, and Sufi mystic. As a member of the Khorasani branch of the Seljuk dynasty, he was born into a prominent family in present-day Afghanistan. He later became a renowned spiritual leader and scholar in Konya, modern-day Turkey.

Early Life and Background

Rumi's early life was marked by tragedy when his father, Baha'uddin Valad, died when Rumi was just twelve years old. His family moved to Khorasan (present-day Afghanistan), where he grew up under the guidance of his spiritual teacher, Burhan al-Din Tirmidhi. At eighteen, Jalaluddin married a young woman named Gevher Hatun and later became a prominent scholar in the Islamic world.

Major Accomplishments

Rumi's life was marked by significant events that shaped his spirituality and creative output:

Spiritual Crisis: A severe spiritual crisis led Rumi to experience a dramatic transformation, which he described as a "burning away" of his old self. This transformative experience laid the groundwork for his poetry and teachings on love and spirituality.
Mystical Union with Shams: His encounter with the dervish (Sufi mystic) Shams-i-Tabriz changed Rumi's life forever. Their deep spiritual bond, which some have interpreted as a romantic partnership, inspired much of Rumi's poetry and teachings on love and unity.
Establishment of the Mevlevi Order: Rumi founded the Mevlevi Sufi order in Konya, which emphasized the importance of mystical love (ishq) and devotion to God.

Notable Works or Actions

Some of Rumi's most notable works include:

Mathnawi: A six-volume collection of spiritual poetry that explores themes of love, unity, and spiritual growth.
Divan-i Shams: A collection of poems written in praise of his beloved friend and mentor, Shams-i-Tabriz.
Fihi ma Fihi : A collection of Rumi's discourses on spirituality, which cover topics such as the nature of God, love, and the human condition.

Impact and Legacy

Rumi's impact on literature, spirituality, and world culture is profound. His poetry has been translated into many languages and continues to inspire readers across cultures:

Influence on Literature: Rumi's poetry has influenced countless poets and writers throughout history, including Goethe, Emerson, and Yeats.
Spiritual Significance: Rumi's teachings on love and unity have inspired countless spiritual seekers and have shaped the development of Sufism in the Islamic world.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Jalaluddin Rumi is widely remembered for his:

Poetic Mastery: His poetry is renowned for its beauty, depth, and timelessness.
Spiritual Insights: His teachings on love, unity, and spirituality have inspired generations of seekers.
* Enduring Legacy: Rumi's influence extends far beyond the Islamic world, touching hearts and minds across cultures and faiths.

Rumi's life was a testament to the transformative power of love and spiritual growth.