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Laura Resau
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User Reviews |
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Throughout the world, the name of Rumi has pervaded. His works and teachings have become so extensive, that 2007 was named International Rumi Year by UNESCO. The creator of the Whirling Dervishes, Jalal Al-Din Muhammad Balkhi is one of the Middle East’s most celebrated ancient poets. His main work, the Masnavi, a massive set of six books and more than 500,000 lines, is possibly the most comprehensive example of Persian and Sufi literature of its time. Called “the roots of the roots of the roots of the (Islamic) religion†by its creator, the couplets show not only the soul of its writer, but are juxtaposed systematically by fable-like tales to illustrate its points. In this review, only book one will be examined, in the interest of ease and access.
From its onset, the Masnavi seeks to awe and bedazzle its readers, opening with the reed-flute’s metaphorical cry. “Lamenting its banishment from its home,†the flute longs to be back amongst the reeds, its plaint audible when played. “Tis the fire of love that inspires the flute,†and Rumi attributes the feeling of love to the desire to be reunited with the creator, eg. God. This plaint becomes associated later on with all the problems of the world, and the apparent lack of happiness and love to be found there. Rumi uses a whole host of characters in his stories to show all the world’s shortcomings, so much to make the reader doubt many of his own self-truths. From the parrot who was mistakenly beaten for upsetting oil jars, to the wicked Jewish king who wrongly persecuted the Christians. It should be noted that while Rumi noticed similarities between Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, he saw more evil in Jews than Christians, who his writing suggests he sees as misdirected, but ultimately innocent believers in God. This pattern, unfortunately, appears to have reversed over the years.
Religion cannot really be called a theme of the Masnavi, because it is considered by many to be a religious work; if not on par with the Qur’an, then at least pretty close. And Rumi transcends religion. He himself says he is not Muslim, Sufi, Christian, or any religion. He is “drunk from the cup of love,“ telling his rapturous tale. Still, if one is to understand all there is to Middle Eastern thought and culture, then this book cannot be left out of their consideration, biased against because it speaks of God. Many fundamentalists believe that their actions are justified because of their love of God. The fiery longing they have for God is so powerful, they quote Rumi, saying “Let him who lacks this fire be accounted dead!†But that is not the real meaning behind those passionate words. Rumi calls for peace, not warfare and bloodshed. He says that those ignorant of love for God are as good as dead, because the afterlife will hold no love for them. Thus, we find the Masnavi a good read for any religion, and a must-read for any student of the Middle East.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars, 2.5 sheep.Review By Alors Et Toi |
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