Rumi

Introduction to Rumi

Rumi, celebrated as one of the world's most revered poets, stands second only to Lord Kabir in spiritual significance. His profound verses have garnered immense popularity, particularly in Western countries, where his works are bestsellers. The Melvana Museum in Konya, Turkey, houses Rumi's renowned compositions, including "Masnavi" and "Diwan-e-Kabir." Visitors flock to Rumi's tomb, also located in Konya, where an artificial grave for his spiritual guide, Shams Tabrez, stands adjacent. Surprisingly, a majority of pilgrims paying homage to Rumi are non-Muslims.

Rumi’s meeting with Shams Tabrez

Rumi held the esteemed position of the leading Maulvi in Konya's mosque in Turkey, where he actively spread the teachings of Islam and garnered numerous followers.

On November 15th, 1244, a 60-year-old man arrived at the bustling traders' inn within Konya's renowned Chinese market. He sported a distinctive appearance—a white beard and was draped in a black robe from head to toe. This individual introduced himself as Shams Tabrez, claiming to be a traveling merchant. Engaging with the locals, he seemed to be in search of something until his gaze fell upon Rumi, who was riding a horse.

One day, Rumi sat by the edge of a tranquil pond, surrounded by a collection of aged scholarly books, engaged in instructing his disciples. As Shams Tabrez strolled by, he gestured towards the stack of books and inquired of Rumi, "What is this?" Rumi, with a touch of sarcasm, retorted, "Baba, this is what you lack knowledge of." Without hesitation, Shams Tabrez swiftly pushed the books into the pond. Witnessing this act, Rumi's anger flared, exclaiming, "O wretched man! What have you done? Do you comprehend the value of these books?" Unperturbed, Shams Tabrez plunged into the water, retrieving each book meticulously, not a single one dampened, but rather cloaked in dust. Astonished by this miraculous display, Rumi queried Shams Tabrez, "Baba, what is the meaning of this?" With a cryptic smile, Shams Tabrez responded, "It is that which eludes your understanding," and departed from the scene.

The following day, Rumi ventured into the bustling market astride his horse, greeted by a throng of admirers eager to pay their respects. Suddenly, Shams Tabrez materialized and seized the reins of Rumi's horse. Recognizing him instantly, Rumi harbored a deep desire to engage with the enigmatic Baba. "Rumi," Baba began, "there is a matter to discuss. Tell me, who holds greater eminence: Muhammad or Bayazid Bastami?" Rumi, without hesitation, affirmed, "It is common knowledge that Muhammad holds the higher regard." Baba countered, "If Muhammad indeed holds such reverence, then why did he plead, 'O Allah! I do not know you; who are you?' And why did Bayazid Bastami exclaim, 'O Allah! You are pure. You are the King of kings, and You are magnificent'?" A profound dialogue ensued between the two, leaving Rumi overwhelmed, eventually collapsing from his horse. Upon regaining consciousness, he found himself cradled in Baba's arms as they departed from the city together. Shams Tabrez vanished from Konya, leaving Rumi consumed by his absence, embarking on a relentless quest to find him. A year later, news reached Rumi that Shams Tabrez had been sighted in Damascus. Urging his eldest son to retrieve Baba, Rumi instructed him to spare no expense, arranging a lavish feast in Baba's honor. Upon encountering Baba engaged in a game of chess, Rumi's son implored him to return to Konya. Addressing Baba, Rumi questioned his abrupt departure, to which Baba responded, "Had I not vanished, the fire in your heart would not have ignited." With Baba's guidance, Rumi relinquished his conventional rites of worship, inciting jealousy among his disciples.

On a fateful day, Rumi found himself in his humble abode alongside his revered murshid, Shams Tabrez. Suddenly, Rumi's younger son and a group of disciples arrived with sinister intent, seeking to harm Shams Tabrez. Sensing the impending danger, Shams Tabrez turned to Rumi, declaring, "The moment has come for my departure." And just as the disciples raised their swords to strike, Shams Tabrez vanished into thin air.