Fundamentals of Rumi’s Thought

Is there room on the shelf for another book about Jalal al-Din Rumi, thethirteenth-century mystic of Persia? Considering the great depth of hisgenius, the answer has to be yes. Sefik Can’s Fundamentals of Rumi’sThought is one of the latest books on the subject, and is distinguished fromothers in that its author is the current head of the Mevlevi order, the Sufiorder established after Rumi’s death and based on his teachings. In his biography,the author is introduced as “the most authoritative spiritual figure ofthe Order” and “the latest living Mesnevihan (Mesnevi reciter) whoreceived his ijazah (special certificate in the recitation of the Mesnevi) fromhis spiritual master Tahir al-Mevlevi.”This book thus reflects the Mevlevi tradition as it is understood withinits Turkish milieu today. Neatly organized into four chapters, it deals withthe political and historical background of Anatolia during Rumi’s lifetime(chapter 1), “Rumi’s Personality and Views” (chapter 2), his influence(chapter 3), and “Rumi’s Sufi Order and His Approach to Orders” (chapter4). A short bibliography and an index are also provided.Throughout many passages, one can feel the author’s love and compassionfor Rumi. His sincerity and enthusiasm compel one to set aside academicconcerns over historical accuracy and critical analysis in order to viewRumi from a Mevlevi perspective. The book offers insight into a livingdevotional approach to Rumi that often translates into an uplifting joy, whichis the hallmark of Rumi’s poems and which has animated the life of manyof his devotees. The reader will benefit from the relevant spiritual insightsoffered. The section entitled “Beauty” is a good example of explainingRumi’s views and relating them to contemporary experiences. The authorwrites:According to Rumi, beauty takes us from ourselves, frees us from theprison of the body, and brings us closer to another realm, to God. Thus wefind God within the impact of the fine arts on sensitive people. (p. 191)The heart of this book is chapter 2, which features the author’s interpretationsof Rumi’s personality and views (pp. 97-246). Although a small portionof this chapter is devoted to Rumi’s life and characteristics, most of it ...