Rumi whose full name is Jalal al-Din Muhammed Rumi was a great Persian poet and Sufi mystic from the 13th century. He was an Islamic scholar and theologian who inspired and is still inspiring several people with his poems and quotes. His influence has also transcended different religions, borders, ethnicities, and generations for decades, and this has made him widely popular even in the western world.

Rumi was born in the then Persian Empire in the city of Balkh which is in present-day Afghanistan. He then moved around and lived in several places before settling in a town called Konya, which is in present-day Turkey. This had led Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey all claiming him as their national poet; although, during Rumi’s time, none of these countries existed like the way they are now. They were part of the Persian Empire, which was a monarchy then. Other present-day countries that were part of the Persian kingdom are Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Iraq, and Uzbekistan. You can read more about Rumi here.

Why is He so Popular and Important?

Scholars of Rumi’s stature were few during his time. Due to this, they were respected, honoured, distinguished and were authorities in many endeavours. Hence, they acquired thousands of followers. Even till this day, several hundred years after his death, Rumi still has many followers. He was a wealthy man, a genius and a brilliant scholar. His life was full of drama, and it transformed him into a universal truth seeker after meeting a wandering holy man by the name of Shams.

His Writings

Rumi wrote over 3,000 poems, 2,000 four-line quatrains and a six-volume spiritual didactic epic. Most have a mystic touch, and they speak of love and divinity and are very philosophical. Although his poems were written in Persian, they have been translated into several languages including English, French, Chinese, Greek, and Spanish etc. His poems have widely influenced literature all over the world, and musicians and artists read his poetry at different ceremonies, including weddings. Rumi’s poems are also quoted endlessly by people on different platforms because they are full of meaningful life lessons.

Appeals to Emotions

Rumi’s poems and sayings are not only intellectual; people have been able to identify with them as it touches their emotions and hearts. You can find some of his quotes on love here: https://www.quoteambition.com/rumi-quotes-poems-love-life/.

Believe in the Equality of Humans

Rumi’s poems are a leveller because they generally deal with the human condition and are not offensive but respectful. It does not exalt a set of people, religion or creed over others, but believe in the evolution and progression of the human race. This is aptly shown by the fact that Rumi’s poems are read in monasteries, churches, mosques, and synagogues by Christians, Muslims, Jews, and even Hindus. Even people who are not religious have found them inspiring. 

Unity

People find a sense of universality and unity from Rumi’s poems. They also find it to be encouraging.

Inspiring

Any time a Rumi verse is recited, it inspires deep thoughts and right action such that some see it as a spiritual guide.

Cultural Bridge

Rumi was a Persian and also a Muslim Scholar, but he is read, recited and quoted all over the world in different cultures, languages, and religion.

Although the Middle Easterners and the Western countries do not see eye to eye on many fronts, Rumi has helped to bridge that gap with his poems.

Ways Rumi’s Quotes are Used

Rumi’s quotes offer timeless wisdom, and they have been adapted for use in several ways.

They can help provide relief from stress when used in meditation as a mantra in yoga exercises. With various recordings of the poems available, an individual may listen to them before or during meditation or a yoga exercise.

In places like Turkey, meditation-induced and inspired dancing called Sufi Dancing is common. These dances usually referred to as “whirling dervishes”, are a form of mediation that results in the healing of the soul and spirit. Rumi’s poems and quotes are usually listened to while this dance is being performed.

In modern times, quotes from Rumi have been used to inspire people through different means of prints such as on clothing and apparels as can be found on this website. They can be printed on walls, wall frames and made into different books or literature. They have been used in movies, quoted in ceremonies, and inserted in songs. They are also used in different memes, quotes and sayings to encourage and inspire others.

Rumi may have been long gone, but his works are still a source of inspiration and encouragement to people even till this day.