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مثنوی معنوی

مثنوی معنوی

PoetryClassicsIslam
Pages
64
Published
1273
Language
English

Synopsis

This collection of Persian poetry by Maulana Jalāl al-Dīn Mohammad Balkhi, known as Rumi, offers profound spiritual and philosophical insight. Composed in the 13th century, the Masnavi (Masnavi-ye Ma'navi) explores love, faith, and the human condition through allegory, anecdote, and interpretation of the Quran and Hadith, drawing from Islamic mysticism. It is Rumi's didactic masterwork — distinct from his more lyrical Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi — and a foundational text of Sufi thought and devotional poetry, presented here in this Persian edition.

Prose complexity
10/10

Vibe

PhilosophicalReflectiveInspiringIntellectual

Genres

Classics Islam Philosophy Philosophy & Religion Poetry Religion Spirituality

Authors

J
Jalal ad-Din Muhammad ar-Rumi

Jalal ad-Din Muhammad ar-Rumi was a 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic. He wrote the Masnavi-i Ma'navi and a collection of quatrains that focus on spiritual life and divine love. His work is a central part of mystical literature and remains widely read

R
Reynold Alleyne Nicholson

Reynold Alleyne Nicholson was an English scholar who specialized in Islamic mysticism and Persian literature. He is best known for his translation and commentary of Rumi's Masnavi-i

R
Rumi (Jalāl ad-Dīn Muḥammad Balkhī)

Jalāl ad-Dīn Muḥammad Balkhī was a 13th-century Persian poet, jurist, theologian, and Sufi mystic. Rūmī is a descriptive name meaning "the Roman" since he lived most of his life in an area called Rūm because it was once ruled by the Byzantine Empire. ([Source][1].) [1]:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rumi

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the best way to approach reading the Mathnawi for the first time?

    The Mathnawi is a vast work, and many readers find it beneficial to approach it thematically or by focusing on specific stories and their interpretations rather than attempting a linear read from beginning to end. It is often studied in segments, with commentaries providing deeper context for its allegories and spiritual lessons.

  • How does the Mathnawi relate to Rumi's other works?

    While Rumi's Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi is primarily lyrical poetry expressing ecstatic love, the Mathnawi is his didactic masterpiece, intended to teach Sufi principles through parables, fables, and anecdotes. It serves as a comprehensive guide to spiritual understanding, complementing the more spontaneous and emotional nature of his other major poetic collection.

  • Are there different translations of the Mathnawi, and which are notable?

    Several English translations exist, each with a different approach to Rumi's original Persian. Reynold Alleyne Nicholson's translation is highly regarded for its scholarly accuracy and extensive commentary, often considered a foundational academic resource. More contemporary versions aim for greater poetic accessibility or focus on specific thematic interpretations.