Jal?l ad-D?n ar-R?m? (1207-1273), or simply Rumi, was a thirteenth-century poet, theologian, and Sufi mystic. He was perhaps the finest Persian poet of all time and a great influence on Muslim writing and culture. While he led a fairly ordinary life until the age of thirty-five, after meeting and subsequently losing his great friend and Sufi teacher Shams, Rumi was moved to emit his soul through poetry. With Shams influence, he became filled with the love of God.Rumi is considered today to be a love poet and many translations of his work have become mere love poems. Though love is an overwhelming part of Rumi's work, the love he speaks of is a higher love for God, not for humans. Nevertheless, the imagery and language he uses has proved to be universal and enduring and he continues to be one of the best-selling poets in America.
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Sufism had its origins in the early days of Islam and was defined by its mystical and philosophical absorption with the search for God and the love and grace of God. The striving for union with God was the ultimate Sufi goal but could not be achieved unt... SEE MORE