Türk Kültürü ve Hacı Bektaş Velî Araştırma Dergisi (Sep 2024)
IN PURSUIT OF TRUTH: DJALĀL AL-DĪN RŪMĪ'S CONCEPTION OF HAPPINESS WITHIN THE MATHNAWĪ-I MA’NAWĪ
Abstract
This article investigates the notion of happiness as presented in Mawlānā jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī’s (d. 672/1273) Mathnawī-ī Ma’nawī, examining the intersection amid the scholarly discourse on the subject within the Sufi literature. Rather than a momentary sentiment, D ̲ D ̲ jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī’s identifies happiness as the state of existence once experienced in the primordial realm. Having separated from the divine presence, the condition of human beings on earth would consist of pain and unhappiness. Since the worldly material is transitory, the happiness achieved through them is likewise. The analysis initiates with an exploration of the ephemeral nature of worldly objects. Rūmī suggests that true comprehension of the world’s transient aspects lays the groundwork for spiritual elevation, emphasizing that material possessions offer limited and fleeting satisfaction, thus urging the seeker towards recognizing the impermanence of worldly gains. Advancing from the tangible to the introspective, the discussion underscores Rūmī’s emphasis on self-awareness. Through the Mathnawī’s elaborate narratives and poetic reflections, Rūmī encourages the reader to embark on a path of spiritual enlightenment. Therefore, Rumi encourages the individual to take a voluntary spiritual journey (sulūk) from the self (nafs) to the soul aiming for divine union to achieve eternal happiness. This transformative journey, guided by a spiritual master, advances the seeker through various stages of self-awareness and purification, ultimately leading to a profound realization of one’s divine essence and harmony with the divine will, which brings about a profound sense of genuine happiness. The study underscores Rūmī's pivotal role in shaping the discourse on happiness within Sufism and highlights the enduring relevance of his insights into the quest for authentic, enduring human contentment. This investigation enriches our understanding of Islamic and Sufi conceptions of happiness, positioning Rūmī's teachings as a vital link in the continuous pursuit of spiritual and existential fulfillment in contemporary times.
Keywords
