Origins and Formation of the Assemblies of Seven
Mecalis-i Seb’a, a significant resource for understanding the intellectual world of Mevlânâ Celaleddin Rûmi, is a compilation of seven different sermons. This work emerged from the transcription of sermons delivered by Mevlana at various times during his life, on the pulpit and in gatherings, by his son Sultan Veled or other students. These sermons, given before his encounter with Shams-i Tabrizi, reflect Mevlana’s philosophical depth, offering both religious guidance and literary richness. The work’s shaping through the contributions of Sultan Veled is supported by couplets taken from his Ibtidânâme (Early Work) in rhyming verse, indicating that it underwent both a composition and revision process.
Structure and Thematic Richness of the Work
Each assembly of Mecalis-i Seb’a addresses different religious and social issues, which allows the work to appeal to a wide readership. While the first assembly deals with topics such as the difficulties of the Muslim community and the interpretation of the Basmala (Opening Verse), subsequent sections explore universal themes such as turning towards God, purification from sin, and strength of faith. The literary narrative used in the language of the work is characterized by a style enriched with verses, hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad), stories, and poetry. This makes it easier for listeners to understand and ensures a deep understanding of the subject matter. While each assembly deals with a different theme, within a general context, Mevlana’s philosophy centered on humanity and his universal messages are brought to the forefront.
Importance and Legacy of Mecalis-i Seb’a
Like Mevlânâ’s works Fîhi mâ Fîh (In It What Is In It) and Mektûbât (Letters), Mecalis-i Seb’a is an important part of the Mevlevi thought tradition. The oldest and most reliable manuscript of the work is located in the Mevlâna Museum Library and is considered to be a reliable version of other works as well. Having been translated and interpreted in various periods, Mecalis-i Seb’a continues to be read and studied today. The work is an indispensable resource for those who want to understand Mevlana’s teachings and explore his philosophical depth; it also inspires those who ponder Islamic ethics and Sufism.