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Rumi, the illustrious Sufi mystic and poet, stands as a towering figure in the landscape of spiritual literature. His works, imbued with profound mystical insight and poetic beauty, have traversed centuries, touching seekers across cultures. At the heart of his literary legacy lies the Masnavi, also known as the Masnavi-i Ma’navi or Spiritual Couplets. This six-volume epic, comprising approximately 25,000 verses, is often revered as his magnum opus. Through parables, stories, and allegorical narratives, the Masnavi explores the journey of the soul toward divine union, offering guidance and illumination to those treading the spiritual path.
Equally significant is the Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi, a collection of lyrical poems inspired by Rumi’s transformative friendship with Shams of Tabriz. This work, also referred to as the Diwan-e Kabir, gathers ghazals and quatrains that express the ecstasies and longings of mystical love. The Divan stands as a testament to the power of spiritual companionship and the intensity of yearning for the Divine, themes that resonate deeply within the Sufi tradition.
Beyond these poetic masterpieces, Rumi’s corpus includes several important prose and epistolary works. Fihi Ma Fihi, a compilation of his discourses and teachings, preserves the wisdom he imparted to his disciples in spontaneous talks. The Maktubat, or Letters, offers a window into his personal guidance and reflections, addressed to individuals seeking counsel. Additionally, the Rubaiyat—his quatrains—distill spiritual truths into concise, memorable verses, while the Majalis-e Sab’a, or Seven Sessions, records sermons that further illuminate his thought.
Together, these works form a rich tapestry of spiritual expression, blending poetic imagination with the depth of mystical experience. Rumi’s legacy endures not only in the beauty of his language but in the timeless wisdom that continues to inspire seekers on the inward journey.