Islam and the Quran had a profound influence on the works of the Persian mystic poet Molana Jalaluddin Rumi (1207–1273). Rumi’s poetry reflects deep spiritual insights and teachings drawn from Islamic principles and Quranic verses, shaping his understanding of the human soul’s relationship with God. His mystical philosophy, which blends love, divine union, and the human journey toward self-realization, is rooted in the core tenets of Islam.
Centrality of Divine Love
In Islam, the concept of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) emphasizes Allah’s supreme nature and the love a believer must have for the Creator. Rumi’s works are filled with passionate expressions of divine love (Ishq-e-Haqiqi), viewing the universe as a manifestation of Allah’s love and mercy. His famous work, the Masnavi, often refers to this Quranic principle of divine unity, reflecting the idea that the ultimate purpose of life is to reunite with the Divine through love.
- Quranic Influence: Verses like, “He loves them, and they love Him” (Quran 5:54), resonate in Rumi’s poetry, where he often depicts the relationship between the human soul and God as that of a lover yearning for the beloved.
Centrality of Divine Love - Rumi frequently draws upon Quranic stories and parables to illustrate spiritual truths. The Masnavi is filled with references to the lives of prophets like Moses, Joseph, and Solomon, whom Rumi uses as metaphors for the soul’s quest for divine knowledge and truth.
- Example: Rumi uses the story of Prophet Moses and his interaction with the burning bush (Quran 20:9-14) to symbolize divine revelation and the soul’s awakening to the presence of God.
Sufism and Islamic Mysticism
Rumi was a follower of Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam that seeks direct experience with God through inner purification and spiritual practices. The Quran emphasizes the importance of contemplation, remembrance of God (Zikr), and striving for spiritual excellence (Ihsan), which are core practices in Sufism.
- Quranic Influence: Quranic verses like, “Indeed, in the remembrance of God do hearts find peace” (Quran 13:28), echo through Rumi’s poetry, where he advocates Zikr as a way to experience divine presence.
The Concept of Fana (Annihilation of the Self)
The idea of Fana, or annihilation of the self in God, is central to Rumi’s spiritual philosophy and aligns with Islamic teachings on submitting completely to the Divine will. This concept is derived from Quranic exhortations to surrender to God, leading to spiritual transformation and unity with the Creator.
- Quranic Influence: Verses like, “Everything will perish except His Face” (Quran 28:88) underline the notion that all things must ultimately dissolve into God’s essence, which Rumi poetically expresses as the final goal of the spiritual journey.
Rumi’s poetry is deeply embedded in Islamic thought and the Quranic worldview. His works are an expression of the mystical dimensions of Islam, where the ultimate goal is not merely intellectual knowledge of the Divine but an experiential union with Allah through love, submission, and spiritual awareness.
Influence and Legacy
Rumi’s works, primarily written in Persian, have been translated into many languages, spreading his messages of love, peace, and unity across the globe. His major works include the “Masnavi”, a six-volume spiritual epic, and the “Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi”, a collection of lyric poems inspired by his spiritual companion, Shams of Tabriz.
His poetry has been widely embraced not only by Sufis but also by spiritual seekers from all walks of life. Rumi’s timeless messages of love, connection, and the sacredness of life continue to inspire millions around the world.
