Rumi, also known as Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, was a 13th-century Persian poet, scholar, and Sufi mystic. He was born on September 30, 1207, in Balkh, which is now part of Afghanistan. His father, Bahauddin Walad, was a renowned scholar and theologian, and his mother, Mu'mina Khatun, was the daughter of a famous Sufi master.

At the age of five, Rumi and his family had to flee their hometown due to the invasion of the Mongols. They traveled through various cities before settling in Konya, Turkey, which was then part of the Seljuk Empire. It was in Konya where Rumi spent most of his life and created his most famous works.

Rumi's early education was primarily focused on religious studies, and he quickly became a prominent scholar in the Islamic world. He studied under his father and other renowned teachers, learning various subjects such as theology, jurisprudence, and Arabic literature.

At the age of 24, Rumi met a wandering dervish named Shams al-Din Tabrizi, who would become his spiritual mentor and close friend. Shams introduced Rumi to the mystical path of Sufism, which would greatly influence his poetry and teachings. The intense bond between Rumi and Shams inspired Rumi's famous work, the "Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi," a collection of poems dedicated to his beloved friend.

Rumi's poetry and teachings attracted a large following, including his son, Sultan Walad, who would become his successor as a Sufi master. Rumi's teachings emphasized love, unity, and the pursuit of a personal connection with the divine. He believed that all religions and paths lead to the same truth, and his works reflect a universal message of love and acceptance.

Rumi's influence extended beyond his lifetime, and his works continue to be studied and admired by people all over the world. His tomb in Konya, Turkey, is a popular pilgrimage site for his followers, and his poetry has been translated into many languages.

In conclusion, Rumi was born in Balkh, Afghanistan, in 1207 and spent most of his life in Konya, Turkey. He was a scholar, poet, and Sufi mystic whose teachings of love and unity continue to inspire people of all backgrounds and beliefs.