Fundamentals of Rumi’s Thought

Abstract

Is there room on the shelf for another book about Jalal al-Din Rumi, the thirteenth-century mystic of Persia? Considering the great depth of his genius, the answer has to be yes. Sefik Can’s Fundamentals of Rumi’s Thought is one of the latest books on the subject, and is distinguished from others in that its author is the current head of the Mevlevi order, the Sufi order established after Rumi’s death and based on his teachings. In his biography, the author is introduced as “the most authoritative spiritual figure of the Order” and “the latest living Mesnevihan (Mesnevi reciter) who received his ijazah (special certificate in the recitation of the Mesnevi) from his spiritual master Tahir al-Mevlevi.” This book thus reflects the Mevlevi tradition as it is understood within its Turkish milieu today. Neatly organized into four chapters, it deals with the political and historical background of Anatolia during Rumi’s lifetime (chapter 1), “Rumi’s Personality and Views” (chapter 2), his influence (chapter 3), and “Rumi’s Sufi Order and His Approach to Orders” (chapter 4). A short bibliography and an index are also provided. Throughout many passages, one can feel the author’s love and compassion for Rumi. His sincerity and enthusiasm compel one to set aside academic concerns over historical accuracy and critical analysis in order to view Rumi from a Mevlevi perspective. The book offers insight into a living devotional approach to Rumi that often translates into an uplifting joy, which is the hallmark of Rumi’s poems and which has animated the life of many of his devotees. The reader will benefit from the relevant spiritual insights offered. The section entitled “Beauty” is a good example of explaining Rumi’s views and relating them to contemporary experiences. The author writes: According to Rumi, beauty takes us from ourselves, frees us from the prison of the body, and brings us closer to another realm, to God. Thus we find God within the impact of the fine arts on sensitive people. (p. 191) The heart of this book is chapter 2, which features the author’s interpretations of Rumi’s personality and views (pp. 97-246). Although a small portion of this chapter is devoted to Rumi’s life and characteristics, most of it ...