Rumi
Rumi was a 13th-century Persian-language poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic best known for his spiritual verse and for founding the Mevlevi Order.
Rumi was a 13th-century Persian-language poet and Sufi mystic. He is best known for his spiritual verse, especially the *Masnavi-yi Maʿnavi*.
What it is
Rumi was a 13th-century Persian-language poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic, best known for his spiritual verse and for founding the Mevlevi Order.
Why it matters
His writings, especially the *Masnavi-yi Maʿnavi*, have deeply influenced mystical thought and literature across the Muslim world. In Canada, he is widely read in translation and cited for themes of spirituality, love, and self-transformation.
Key details
Born in 1207 in Balkh, he later lived in Konya where he died in 1273. His most famous work is the *Masnavi-yi Maʿnavi*, and he is also associated with the *Divan of Shams Tabrizi*. He is credited as the founder of the Mevlevi Order, known for whirling dervishes.
In short
- 13th-century Persian-language poet and Sufi mystic
- Best known for the *Masnavi-yi Maʿnavi* and lyric poetry
- Writings influenced mystical thought and literature globally
- Founder of the Mevlevi Order (whirling dervishes)
Rumi is widely read in Canada in English translation and is frequently cited in Canadian classrooms, libraries, and popular culture for his themes of spirituality, love, and self-transformation.
Quick questions
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Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/RumiSupports: Identity, birth and death dates and places, significance as a Sufi mystic and poet, and the *Masnavi-yi Maʿnavi*.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RumiSupports: Full name, birth and death dates, association with the Mevlevi Order, and death place.
- BBC — https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/art/rumi_1.shtmlSupports: Rumi’s status as a major Persian poet and his death in 1273.
- Academy of American Poets — https://poets.org/poet/jalal-al-din-rumiSupports: Birth date, birthplace, and the importance of the *Masnavi-ye Ma’navi*.
- World History Encyclopedia — https://www.worldhistory.org/Rumi/Supports: Overview of Rumi as a mystical poet and best-known works including the *Masnavi*.