Published: 16 November 2024
On November 15, 2024, in the company of scholars, I had the privilege of visiting the Shrine of Mawlana Jalal al-Din al-Rumi in Konya, Turkey. This historic site, housing the tombs of Rumi (1207–1273) and his companions, including dervishes, scholars, and mystics, serves as a focal point for those seeking to engage with the profound spiritual and intellectual legacy of Sufism. The striking blue dome of Rumi’s mausoleum, visible from afar, immediately draws attention. It prompted reflection on its symbolism, particularly when contrasted with the green dome of the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb (peace be upon him). One might infer that the blue hue signifies Rumi’s elevated spiritual station and his connection to the celestial realm. Renowned for his extensive knowledge, Rumi was described as “well-versed in jurisprudence, theology, and various sciences” (Al-Jawahir al-Mudiya).
The Courtyard and Entry Protocols
The shrine’s courtyard is expansive and lively, accommodating a diverse range of visitors, including Muslims and non-Muslims, men and women alike. Before entering the inner sanctum housing Rumi’s tomb, visitors are required to cover their shoes with plastic coverings, a practice designed to uphold the sanctity of the space. Compared to the Indian custom of removing shoes entirely, this protocol appeared more practical.
Professor Benjamin, a scholar accompanying the visit, highlighted the upcoming Urs celebration commemorating Rumi’s passing as his union with the Divine. This annual event attracts millions worldwide and features Sufi music, poetry recitations, and the renowned Sama dance. However, this ritual is often misunderstood, as Allama Iqbal critiqued: “They learned to dance with their bodies while severing themselves from the dance of the soul.” Such observations underscore the risks of reducing profound spiritual practices to mere performances devoid of their original essence.
The Museum: Artifacts and Manuscripts
The museum housed within the shrine complex offers a rich array of exhibits, including Rumi’s personal belongings, such as robes, belts, and turbans, alongside various items used by his contemporaries. Among the most significant artifacts is a handwritten manuscript of the Masnavi, an experience that evoked a sense of profound reverence. While I possess a facsimile of this manuscript in Oxford, witnessing the original illuminated its historical and spiritual significance.
Adjacent rooms reveal the living quarters of the dervishes, where numerous artifacts, including lanterns, musical instruments, and flutes, illustrate the tools integral to their spiritual practices. These instruments, particularly significant to the Sama, emphasize the performative and contemplative aspects of Sufism. Additionally, wax statues depicting scenes from Rumi’s life—engaging in scholarly discussions, meditative practices, and the Sama dance—provide vivid insights into the lived experiences of Rumi and his companions.
Rumi’s Residence and the Library
The larger building served as Rumi’s residence and includes an upper chamber dedicated to contemplation. This space, imbued with a serene atmosphere, was reputedly used for extended periods of reflection. It exemplifies the emphasis Rumi placed on introspection as a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
The library, located adjacent to the courtyard, houses a significant collection of manuscripts, further solidifying the shrine as an epicenter of spiritual and intellectual heritage. These texts underscore Rumi’s enduring legacy as a scholar and mystic who sought to harmonize rational inquiry with experiential spirituality.
Reflections on Rumi’s Legacy
By the conclusion of the visit, I returned to the hotel physically fatigued yet spiritually rejuvenated. The experience reaffirmed Rumi’s pivotal role in advancing profound spiritual truths. His teachings transcend mere rational or legalistic frameworks, emphasizing the primacy of personal experiences of the Divine. Rumi’s Masnavi, with its intricate use of parables and allegories, reflects an educational philosophy favoring immersive, narrative-driven learning over rigid, systematic instruction.
In contemporary contexts, Rumi has gained widespread recognition, particularly in the West, where selective translations of his poetry resonate with audiences seeking spirituality unbound by formal doctrines. However, this phenomenon risks distorting Rumi’s intent, reducing his teachings to aesthetic appeal while neglecting their deeply devotional core. The commercialization of practices such as the Sama dance further exemplifies this tension, as the profound spiritual act of connecting with the Divine risks becoming a theatrical performance.
The visit to Rumi’s shrine underscored the necessity of engaging deeply with his message—a call to transcend superficiality and reconnect with the essence of love, unity, and spiritual transcendence. Rumi’s contributions to Sufism and Islamic thought remain a timeless reminder of the profound interplay between intellect, experience, and the quest for the Divine.
