Journey and the Quest for Knowledge
The life of Jalaluddin Rumi is an epic of spiritual quest and striving for knowledge. This journey, starting from Konya and extending to Kayseri, Aleppo, and Damascus, saw Rumi learn from leading scholars of the time, developing himself in various fields such as jurisprudence (fiqh), interpretation of the Quran (tafsir), and hadith. His spiritual education under the patronage of a great scholar like Sayyid Burhaneddin-i Tirmizi played an important role in shaping his personality. Receiving authorization (icazet) after a three-year period of tribulation in Kayseri marked a turning point for him in advancing on the path of knowledge and guidance.
Meeting Shams-i Tabrizi: A Turning Point
The most distinctive feature of Rumi’s life was his extraordinary friendship with Shams-i Tabrizi. Shams kept Rumi away from ordinary sermons and even reading books, directing him towards a deeper spiritual experience. This encounter led to significant changes in Rumi’s teachings and lifestyle, which disturbed some people around him. The unexpected disappearance of Shams became a source of great sorrow for Rumi, prompting him to even deeper contemplation. Shams’ departure forced Rumi to turn inward and continue his spiritual journey alone.
A New Support with Salahaddin-i Zerkub
After the departure of Shams-i Tabrizi, Rumi became close to Salahaddin-i Zerkub and frequently met with him. Salahaddin played an important role in calming Rumi’s spiritual storms and bringing him peace. This friendship is a testament to Rumi’s deep love and devotion to Salahaddin, the person whose name appears most often after Shams in his Divan-i Kebir. After Salahaddin’s death, Rumi formed a new friendship with Husameddin Chelebi, who played a significant role in the writing of the Masnavi. Each guide on this spiritual journey contributed to the deepening of Rumi’s personality and the enrichment of the message he offered to humanity.