Research on Rumi’s Mathnavi

Research on the “Mathnavi-i Ma’navi” (Spiritual Couplets) by Maulana Jalal al-Din Rumi spans numerous dimensions due to its rich content and profound influence on Islamic mysticism, Persian literature, and global thought. Rumi, known as Molana Jalal-al-Din Mohammad, holds a pinnacle position in mysticism and Sufism, with the “Mathnavi” widely recognized as one of the greatest mystical masterpieces according to many mystics. The proposed research on Psychology of Higher Religion focuses on conducting a comprehensive study and discussion of all 26,000 verses across the six chapters of the “Mathnavi” and categorizing each relevant verse under key sub-topics including the Meaning of Life, Human Character and Influencing Factors on Personality,   Pathologies in Human Thinking, Emotions, and Behavior, the Growth and Maturation of the Human Mind, approaches for Correcting Mental Pathologies (Nurture/Therapy). It also includes interpreting and discussing the psychological implications embedded within the stories of the “Mathnavi.”, publishing the research findings as a book available in multiple languages for national and international dissemination.

Here are some key areas often explored in scholarly research on this monumental work:

Mystical Philosophy and Sufism

Themes of Divine Love and Union: The “Mathnavi” centers on the theme of divine love, exploring the soul’s journey towards God and the longing for union with the Divine.

Spiritual Journey and Self-Transformation: Rumi describes the stages of spiritual development, including self-purification, annihilation of the ego (fana), and ultimate union with God.

Unity and Oneness (Tawhid): The text emphasizes the unity of all existence with the Divine, a central tenet in Rumi’s teachings and Sufi philosophy.

Symbolism and Metaphor

Use of Symbolic Stories and Parables: The “Mathnavi” is renowned for its use of fables, parables, and allegories to convey deep spiritual truths. Scholars often analyze these stories to uncover their symbolic meanings.

Symbolic Characters and Motifs: Recurring symbols, such as the reed flute, the moth and flame, or animals, are examined for their spiritual significance and layers of meaning.

Literary and Linguistic Analysis

Poetic Structure and Form: The “Mathnavi” is written in rhyming couplets (mathnavi form), and its intricate poetic structure and rhythm are subjects of literary studies.

Language and Style: Researchers explore Rumi’s mastery of Persian, his use of colloquial and classical expressions, and the rhetorical devices that enhance the poetic and spiritual impact of the text.

Influence on Persian and World Literature: The work’s impact on Persian literature and its influence on later poets and writers across cultures and languages are extensively studied.

Ethical and Moral Teachings

Personal and Social Ethics: Rumi’s “Mathnavi” contains profound guidance on personal morality, justice, humility, and virtues like compassion and forgiveness.

Practical Sufi Ethics: The text provides instructions for living a spiritually fulfilled and ethical life according to Sufi principles.

Psychological and Spiritual Dimensions

Psychology of the Self: Rumi delves into the inner struggles and states of the human soul, exploring topics like inner conflict, ego suppression, and the awakening of the spirit.

Love as a Transformative Force: The psychological impact of love, both human and divine, as a means of spiritual transformation is a recurring theme in research.

Comparative Religious and Interfaith Studies

Interfaith Harmony and Universal Teachings: The universal messages of love, compassion, and unity in the “Mathnavi” make it a subject of interfaith and cross-cultural studies.

Comparisons with Other Religious Texts: The “Mathnavi” is often compared to spiritual texts from other religious traditions, exploring its parallels and unique contributions to mystical thought.

Historical Context and Influence

Historical and Cultural Background: Research often focuses on the socio-political and cultural context in which Rumi lived and wrote the “Mathnavi,” including the impact of the Mongol invasions and the intellectual climate of the era.

Influence on Sufi Orders and Traditions: The impact of the “Mathnavi” on subsequent Sufi orders, particularly the Mevlevi Order (founded by Rumi’s followers), and its continued influence on Sufi practices and teachings is a major focus.

Metaphysics and Cosmology

Ontology and Nature of Reality: Rumi’s metaphysical teachings, such as the nature of reality, creation, and the relationship between the material and spiritual worlds, are explored in the “Mathnavi.”

Concepts of Time, Space, and Eternity: Scholars examine how Rumi’s perspectives on time and the eternal world inform his spiritual teachings.

Role of Love and Devotion (Ishq)

Human Love as a Reflection of Divine Love: The “Mathnavi” frequently discusses human love as a mirror of divine love, emphasizing the transformative power of love.

Devotion to God and the Path of Love: The importance of devotion and yearning for the Beloved is a central theme.

Comparative Analysis with Other Works of Rumi

Relation to Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi“: Comparative research explores the thematic and stylistic differences between the “Mathnavi” and Rumi’s other major poetic work, “Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi” (Divan of Shams of Tabriz).

Consistency and Evolution of Ideas: Scholars examine how themes in the “Mathnavi” relate to or differ from Rumi’s other writings, reflecting his spiritual evolution.

Pedagogy and Didactic Elements

Role as a Spiritual Guide: The “Mathnavi” is often seen as a teaching manual for Sufis, offering lessons on spiritual, ethical, and social conduct.

Storytelling as a Teaching Tool: The use of storytelling to convey moral and spiritual lessons is analyzed for its pedagogical effectiveness.

Sufi Practices and Rituals

Rituals and Practices Referenced in the Text: The text references specific Sufi rituals, practices, and disciplines that form part of the spiritual path.

 Impact on Sufi Ceremonies: The influence of Rumi’s teachings on Sufi rituals, such as the whirling dervishes, is explored.

Theology and Religious Beliefs

Relationship with Islamic Doctrine: Rumi’s interpretation of key Islamic concepts, including God, prophecy, and religious law, is analyzed for its spiritual and mystical dimensions.

Balance of Sharia (Law) and Tariqa (Path): The “Mathnavi” addresses the balance between outward religious practice and inner spiritual path in Islam.

Cultural and Artistic Influence

Artistic Depictions and Adaptations: The influence of the “Mathnavi” on art, music, dance, and modern adaptations is another dimension of scholarly interest.

Rumi’s “Mathnavi” remains a timeless masterpiece, continually inspiring research in diverse fields, including mysticism, literature, psychology, philosophy, ethics, and interfaith dialogue. Its depth and universal appeal make it a subject of ongoing study and reflection across disciplines and cultures.