Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi (also given as Jalal ad-did Muhammad Balkhi, best known as Rumi, l. 1207-1273 CE) was a Persian Islamic theologian and scholar but became famous as a mystical poet whose work focuses on the opportunity for a meaningful and elevated life through personal knowledge and love of God.
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Definition
Timeline
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1207 - 1273Life of the Persian poet Rumi, considered one of the greatest literary artists in the world.
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c. 1215Rumi's father flees Balkh, Afghanistan to escape invading Mongols; moves family to Konya, Anatolia.
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c. 1228Rumi is a highly-respected teacher and theologian living in Konya. When his father dies, he assumes his role as head of the religious community.
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1244Rumi meets the Sufi mystic Shams-i-Tabrizi and the two become inseparable friends.
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1248Shams-i-Tabrizi disappears; Rumi recognizes their spiritual connection is ongoing and begins to compose verse.
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1248 - 1273Rumi composes mystical poetry for the rest of his life, including his famous work, the Masnavi, still unfinished at the time of his death.
