Was Rumi a Muslim? Clarifying the Truth and Philosophical Insights

Rumi has been celebrated for centuries as one of the greatest mystical poets in the world. However, questions about his faith and beliefs often arise, particularly with the popular poem attributed to him. This article aims to debunk common misconceptions and clarify Rumi's true position in relation to Islam and Sufism.

Origins and Catholikery

Rumi, born in 1207 in what is now Afghanistan, was indeed a Muslim. However, the poem that contains the lines 'Not Christian or Jew or Muslim, not Hindu or Buddhist, Sufi or Zen' is not from his original works. This popular verse has been misattributed and is the work of American poet and scholar Coleman Barks. As Rozina Ali writes in The New Yorker, Barks is more of an interpreter than a translator. Furthermore, as evidenced by Barks' own admission, he does not read or write Farsi, the language in which most of Rumi's poetry was originally written. This raises questions about the authenticity and accuracy of such misattributed verses.

Foretelling False Prophets

Rumi himself foretold the possibility of such distoritions, stating, 'I am the servant of the Quran as long as I have life, I am the dust on the path of Muhammad the Chosen One. If anyone quotes anything except this from my sayings, I am quit of him and outraged by these words.' These verses, found in Rumi and Self Discovery by Ibrahim Gamard, reveal Rumi's strong opposition to any misattributions or misinterpretations of his work. It is crucial to understand that while Rumi was deeply spiritual and transcended conventional religious boundaries in his poetry, his original texts are filled with Islamic values, and the idea of 'no religion' isn't a part of his authentic teachings.

To Ism or Not to Ism

The Qur'an itself supports Rumi's perspective on the unity of God, indicating that true devotion to God is greater than any human-made religion. In verse 3:67, the Qur'an states, 'Abraham was not a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one pure of faith and Muslim, who submitted to God with a sound heart.' The word 'Muslim' in this context does not refer to a specific religion but rather to a state of submission to God. This aligns with Rumi's own sentiments that religions are man-made constructs and that true devotion transcends them.

Discovering the Truth Through Breath

Despite the misattributions, Rumi's essence remains clear. In his authentic poetry, he often speaks of belonging to the divine truth rather than adhering to any specific religious or cultural system. One of his famous verses reads, 'Yes, yes, yes on a thousand Qurans, yes he was, yes, yes, yes on a thousand Torahs too, yes, he was, yes, yes, on a thousand bibles, as well.' This reinforces the idea that Rumi's spiritual journey led him beyond the confines of organized religion.

Rumi teaches that understanding the essence of God is the ultimate goal, and this can be found in the simplest of things--the breath, according to him. He famously said, 'The path to the Beloved is not through beliefs but through the pause between inhalation and exhalation.' This metaphorical pause symbolizes the moment of realization and unity with the divine, suggesting that true spiritual insight is a personal and immediate experience, rather than one mediated by religious doctrines.

Conclusion and Further Investigation

It is important to distinguish between authentic Rumi's writings and modern interpretations that may misrepresent his teachings. While Rumi's poetry transcends traditional religious boundaries, his true message centers around a deeper connection with the divine. By examining his original texts and the context in which they were written, we can better understand his philosophy and the wisdom he sought to impart.

For those sincerely interested in understanding Rumi's message, it is essential to approach his works with a humble and open mind, as well as a willingness to let go of preconceived notions about religion and spirituality. His teachings offer profound insights into the nature of the self and the divine, and his simple yet transformative ideas can be applied to one's daily life, regardless of one's religious or cultural background.