Historical Figure
Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi
b. 1207
Sufi mystic and poet (1207–1273)
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Biography
Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, commonly known as Rumi, was a Sufi mystic, poet, and founder of the Islamic brotherhood known as the Mevlevi Order. Rumi is an influential figure in Sufism, and his thought and works loom large both in Persian literature and mystic poetry in general. Today, his translated works are enjoyed all over the world.
In Their Own Words (5)
Do not turn away a poor man...even if all you can give is half a date. If you love the poor and bring them near you...God will bring you near Him on the Day of Resurrection.
Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1376 , 1376
"Happy is the man who avoids dissension, but how fine is the man who is afflicted and shows endurance."
Sunah of Abu Dawood, Hadith 1996 , 1996
It is better for a leader to make a mistake in forgiving than to make a mistake in punishing.
Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1011 , 1011
...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn child.
Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1731, and Al-Tirmizi, #1408. , 1731
The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed [killing and injuring]
Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1678, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #6533. , 1678
Timeline
The story of Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi, told in moments.
Called "the world's most popular poet" and the best-selling poet in the United States. His works have been translated into dozens of languages. The Mevlevi Order he inspired is known for its whirling dervishes, who spin as a form of prayer.
Takes over his father's position as an Islamic scholar in Konya after his father's death. He teaches religious law. He's respected, conventional, devout. He has not yet written a single poem.
A wandering dervish named Shams of Tabriz arrives in Konya. Rumi is consumed. The two become inseparable, talking for days without stopping. Rumi abandons his teaching duties. His students are furious. Shams vanishes. Rumi sends his son to find him. Shams returns. Then disappears again, this time forever. Probably murdered by Rumi's jealous followers.
Composes the Masnavi, a six-volume poem of 25,000 couplets. Many Muslims call it "the Quran in Persian." He dictates it over years while pacing, spinning, leaning against pillars. He also produces the Divan of Shams Tabrizi, 40,000 verses of grief and ecstasy named for his lost companion.
Dies in Konya at 66. Muslims, Christians, and Jews attend his funeral. Asked why, mourners from other faiths say he was their sun too. His tomb in Konya becomes one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Turkey.
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