Rumi

Rumi (Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, 1207-1273) was a 13th-century Persian poet, Sufi mystic, and Islamic scholar whose works have transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries to become some of the most widely read poetry in the world. Born in Balkh (present-day Afghanistan), Rumi settled in Konya, Turkey (then part of the Seljuk Empire), where he spent most of his life. His magnum opus, the 'Masnavi,' is a six-volume poem of approximately 25,000 verses that explores themes of love, spirituality, and the human relationship with the divine. Rumi's poetry, often set to music (sama), emphasizes the transformative power of love and the pursuit of divine union. His famous lines, 'What you seek is seeking you' and 'The wound is the place where the Light enters you,' have become iconic expressions of spiritual wisdom. Today, Rumi is the best-selling poet in the United States and his work continues to inspire millions worldwide. The annual 'Shab-i Arus' (Night of Union) ceremony in Konya commemorates his passing and attracts pilgrims from around the globe.