SUFISM: THE PERSIAN MYSTICS – JALALU’D-DIN RUMI. “The Persian Mystics: Jalálu’d-dín Rúmí” is a 1907 work by F. Hadland Davis that introduces Western readers to the life and teachings of the renowned Persian poet and Sufi mystic, Jalálu’d-dín Rúmí. The book delves into Rúmí’s spiritual journey, his profound poetry, and the essence of Sufism—a mystical Islamic belief system emphasizing the inward search for God and shunning materialism.
The term “Sufi” originates from “suf,” meaning “wool.” In the late 8th century, a Persian sect diverged from orthodox Islam, adopting simple white wool garments to signify their detachment from worldly possessions and focus on spiritual purity. This practice earned them the designation “wool wearers,” or Sufis.
Rúmí’s influence extends beyond Persian literature; his works have profoundly impacted Turkish poetry and the broader Islamic mystical tradition. Despite residing in a Turkish city for five decades, Rúmí predominantly composed his poetry in Persian, reflecting his deep roots in Persian culture and language.
Central to Rúmí’s teachings is the concept of divine love as a transformative force. He believed that love transcends all religious and cultural boundaries, serving as a universal path to spiritual enlightenment. His magnum opus, the “Masnavi,” often referred to as the “Quran in Persian,” comprises six books of poetry that guide Sufis toward a deeper connection with the Divine.
This work offers valuable insights into Rúmí’s philosophy, providing readers with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the wisdom of one of history’s most celebrated mystic poets.
The word Sufi is derived from the word suf, meaning “wool”. When a little Persian sect at the end of the eighth century A.D. broke away from the orthodox Muslim religion, and struck out on an independent path, they ignored costly robes and worldly ostentation, and clad themselves in a white wool garment. Hence they were known as “wool wearers,” or Sufis.
This books about Sufism form 1907 aims at presenting the teachings of Rumi for the western readers.
Download it here (87 pages):
The Persian Mystics Jalaluddin Rumi
very nice
i am highly grateful for this great exposure to your library. May the Almighty Allah rewards Abundantly. Jazakumllahu Khairan.
Greetings from Nova Scotia ~
Thank you very much for allowing your visitors to download these wonderful books. I only know Attar’s work from the The Conference of the Birds which I first read as a teenager many years ago. In fact, at that time I read as much as I could find of the great mystics and was fortunate to have a large university library in which to make marvelous discoveries.
Shukran yazilan!
Okanta