Rumi's World: The Life and Works of the Greatest Sufi Poet - Paperback

An illuminating biography and literary study of Jalal al-Din Rumi—the beloved 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic whose words continue to inspire millions across cultures and centuries.

Rumi is the most widely read poet in America and one of the most beloved spiritual teachers worldwide, yet few readers know the remarkable story of the man behind the poetry. Rumi's World brings to life the historical, cultural, and spiritual context that shaped the greatest Sufi poet, exploring both his transformative life journey and the enduring power of his literary legacy.

What you'll discover:

• Rumi's life in 13th-century Persia—the world of Sufis, scholars, and mystics
• His transformative friendship with Shams of Tabriz, the wandering dervish who changed everything
• The historical and cultural context of medieval Islamic civilization
• How personal loss and spiritual awakening gave birth to his greatest poetry
• The development of the Mevlevi Order (the Whirling Dervishes)
• Analysis of Rumi's major works including the Masnavi and Divan-e Shams
• The themes of divine love, spiritual transformation, and union with God in his poetry
• Rumi's enduring influence on Sufism, Persian literature, and world spirituality

This book is essential for anyone who loves Rumi's poetry and wants to understand the man, the mystic, and the world that produced such timeless wisdom. By exploring Rumi's life—his education, his spiritual crisis, his ecstatic friendship with Shams, and his years of teaching and writing—we gain deeper appreciation for the poetry that has touched hearts for eight centuries.

The author illuminates how Rumi's personal journey from respected scholar to ecstatic lover of God mirrors the universal spiritual path from ego to divine union. Understanding Rumi's world enriches our reading of his poetry and reveals why his message of love, transformation, and spiritual awakening resonates so powerfully today.

Perfect for: Readers and lovers of Rumi's poetry, students of Sufism and Islamic mysticism, those interested in Persian literature and culture, scholars of medieval Islamic civilization, anyone seeking to understand the life behind the beloved poetry, and readers interested in spiritual biography and the relationship between life and art.

This paperback edition offers an engaging journey into Rumi's world—the life, times, and enduring works of the greatest Sufi poet.