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Rumi Illustrated
Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī (1207–73) was a 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic originally from Greater Khorasan in Iran. This Chinese-bound volume offers a selection of his many poems with a variety of themes, including love, marriage, life and death, passion and mysticism, as well as his religious collection, Rubaiyat, and his long poem, Masnavi, one of the most influential works of Sufism, an Islamic form of mysticism. Rumi's reach transcends national borders and ethnic divisions: his poetry has influenced not only Persian literature, but also the literary traditions of the Ottoman Turkish, Chagatai, Urdu, Bengali and Pashto languages.
- GenresPoetryNonfiction
160 pages, Hardcover
Published June 14, 2023
11 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Jalal ad-Din Muhammad ar-Rumi
1,171 books15.7k followersSufism inspired writings of Persian poet and mystic Jalal ad-Din Muhammad ar-Rumi; these writings express the longing of the soul for union with the divine.
Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī - also known as Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī, Mevlânâ/Mawlānā (مولانا, "our master"), Mevlevî/Mawlawī (مولوی, "my master") and more popularly simply as Rumi - was a 13th-century Persian poet, jurist, Islamic scholar, theologian and Sufi mystic who lived in Konya, a city of Ottoman Empire (Today's Turkey). His poems have been widely translated into many of the world's languages, and he has been described as the most popular poet and the best-selling poet in the United States.
His poetry has influenced Persian literature, but also Turkish, Ottoman Turkish, Azerbaijani, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu, as well as the literature of some other Turkic, Iranian, and Indo-Aryan languages including Chagatai, Pashto, and Bengali.
Due to quarrels between different dynasties in Khorāṣān, opposition to the Khwarizmid Shahs who were considered devious by his father, Bahā ud-Dīn Wālad or fear of the impending Mongol cataclysm, his father decided to migrate westwards, eventually settling in the Anatolian city Konya, where he lived most of his life, composed one of the crowning glories of Persian literature, and profoundly affected the culture of the area.
When his father died, Rumi, aged 25, inherited his position as the head of an Islamic school. One of Baha' ud-Din's students, Sayyed Burhan ud-Din Muhaqqiq Termazi, continued to train Rumi in the Shariah as well as the Tariqa, especially that of Rumi's father. For nine years, Rumi practised Sufism as a disciple of Burhan ud-Din until the latter died in 1240 or 1241. Rumi's public life then began: he became an Islamic Jurist, issuing fatwas and giving sermons in the mosques of Konya. He also served as a Molvi (Islamic teacher) and taught his adherents in the madrassa. During this period, Rumi also travelled to Damascus and is said to have spent four years there.
It was his meeting with the dervish Shams-e Tabrizi on 15 November 1244 that completely changed his life. From an accomplished teacher and jurist, Rumi was transformed into an ascetic.
On the night of 5 December 1248, as Rumi and Shams were talking, Shams was called to the back door. He went out, never to be seen again. Rumi's love for, and his bereavement at the death of, Shams found their expression in an outpouring of lyric poems, Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi. He himself went out searching for Shams and journeyed again to Damascus.
Rumi found another companion in Salaḥ ud-Din-e Zarkub, a goldsmith. After Salah ud-Din's death, Rumi's scribe and favourite student, Hussam-e Chalabi, assumed the role of Rumi's companion. Hussam implored Rumi to write more. Rumi spent the next 12 years of his life in Anatolia dictating the six volumes of this masterwork, the Masnavi, to Hussam.
In December 1273, Rumi fell ill and died on the 17th of December in Konya.
Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī - also known as Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī, Mevlânâ/Mawlānā (مولانا, "our master"), Mevlevî/Mawlawī (مولوی, "my master") and more popularly simply as Rumi - was a 13th-century Persian poet, jurist, Islamic scholar, theologian and Sufi mystic who lived in Konya, a city of Ottoman Empire (Today's Turkey). His poems have been widely translated into many of the world's languages, and he has been described as the most popular poet and the best-selling poet in the United States.
His poetry has influenced Persian literature, but also Turkish, Ottoman Turkish, Azerbaijani, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu, as well as the literature of some other Turkic, Iranian, and Indo-Aryan languages including Chagatai, Pashto, and Bengali.
Due to quarrels between different dynasties in Khorāṣān, opposition to the Khwarizmid Shahs who were considered devious by his father, Bahā ud-Dīn Wālad or fear of the impending Mongol cataclysm, his father decided to migrate westwards, eventually settling in the Anatolian city Konya, where he lived most of his life, composed one of the crowning glories of Persian literature, and profoundly affected the culture of the area.
When his father died, Rumi, aged 25, inherited his position as the head of an Islamic school. One of Baha' ud-Din's students, Sayyed Burhan ud-Din Muhaqqiq Termazi, continued to train Rumi in the Shariah as well as the Tariqa, especially that of Rumi's father. For nine years, Rumi practised Sufism as a disciple of Burhan ud-Din until the latter died in 1240 or 1241. Rumi's public life then began: he became an Islamic Jurist, issuing fatwas and giving sermons in the mosques of Konya. He also served as a Molvi (Islamic teacher) and taught his adherents in the madrassa. During this period, Rumi also travelled to Damascus and is said to have spent four years there.
It was his meeting with the dervish Shams-e Tabrizi on 15 November 1244 that completely changed his life. From an accomplished teacher and jurist, Rumi was transformed into an ascetic.
On the night of 5 December 1248, as Rumi and Shams were talking, Shams was called to the back door. He went out, never to be seen again. Rumi's love for, and his bereavement at the death of, Shams found their expression in an outpouring of lyric poems, Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi. He himself went out searching for Shams and journeyed again to Damascus.
Rumi found another companion in Salaḥ ud-Din-e Zarkub, a goldsmith. After Salah ud-Din's death, Rumi's scribe and favourite student, Hussam-e Chalabi, assumed the role of Rumi's companion. Hussam implored Rumi to write more. Rumi spent the next 12 years of his life in Anatolia dictating the six volumes of this masterwork, the Masnavi, to Hussam.
In December 1273, Rumi fell ill and died on the 17th of December in Konya.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 15, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Rumi Illustrated is a beautiful book showcasing Rumis work. I found the illustrations/art work an added beautiful, bonus in this book and enhanced the whole experience for me. Rumi was a 13th century scolar and poet, and this book is kept to the 13th century vibes and aesthetic. Anyone interested in poetry, literature, or history should definitely give this book a read.
I did have to read a few of the poems a few times for them to truly be absorbed because of the time period they were written in, but I took so much away from this book that I was pleasantly surprised by!
Rumi Illustrated is a beautiful book showcasing Rumis work. I found the illustrations/art work an added beautiful, bonus in this book and enhanced the whole experience for me. Rumi was a 13th century scolar and poet, and this book is kept to the 13th century vibes and aesthetic. Anyone interested in poetry, literature, or history should definitely give this book a read.
I did have to read a few of the poems a few times for them to truly be absorbed because of the time period they were written in, but I took so much away from this book that I was pleasantly surprised by!
May 18, 2023
Rumi Illustrated by Rumi is a 13th Century Persian Poems & Stories and beautifully illustrated throughout. Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī from 1207to 73 and was a 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic originally from Greater Khorasan in Iran.
This book is a good selection of his many poems with a variety of themes, including love, marriage, life and death, passion and mysticism, as well as his religious collection, Rubaiyat, and his long poem, Masnavi, one of the most influential works of Sufism, an Islamic form of mysticism.
His poetry reaches most national borders and ethnic has influenced not only Persian literature, but also the literary traditions of the Ottoman Turkish, Chagatai, Urdu, Bengali and Pashto languages etc.
Big Thank you to Netgalley and Amber Books Ltd, Amber Books for my copy to read and review.
This book is a good selection of his many poems with a variety of themes, including love, marriage, life and death, passion and mysticism, as well as his religious collection, Rubaiyat, and his long poem, Masnavi, one of the most influential works of Sufism, an Islamic form of mysticism.
His poetry reaches most national borders and ethnic has influenced not only Persian literature, but also the literary traditions of the Ottoman Turkish, Chagatai, Urdu, Bengali and Pashto languages etc.
Big Thank you to Netgalley and Amber Books Ltd, Amber Books for my copy to read and review.
June 24, 2023
Interesting...very 13th century!
Rumi is for many of us a well known 13th century classical Persian poet. He is also a scholar and theologian. His work though, can hardly be limited to those aspects as he is also a Sufi mystic and is known for his long poem or Masnavi. His poetry and works have been far reaching across cultural and international boundaries and influencing all ages across time.
In Rumi Illustrated, we are provided with a stunning collection of poems and stories that expound upon religion, love, death, and marriage. I especially enjoyed "Remember God and Forget Self" which emphasizes keeping God first and in remembrance until self is forgotten. I also enjoyed "Beauty of the Beloved", "The House of Love (extract)", and "Description of Love". Each of them are thought provoking and inspiring.
I will say though that while I found the collection and illustrations to be very well done and a pleasure to read, the writing style is very 13th century and can sometimes require a read or two...or three. I think also that this is why the illustrations enhance the reader's experience. In that time period there were many inventions and discoveries that continue to serve us and that we continue to learn more about. Rumi's work did much to highlight that.
Nevertheless, it was a nice rendering overall. I thank NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hashtags: #RumiIllustrated #Rumi #NetGalley #MulticulturalInterest #Poetry #IllustratedBooks #13thCentury
Rumi is for many of us a well known 13th century classical Persian poet. He is also a scholar and theologian. His work though, can hardly be limited to those aspects as he is also a Sufi mystic and is known for his long poem or Masnavi. His poetry and works have been far reaching across cultural and international boundaries and influencing all ages across time.
In Rumi Illustrated, we are provided with a stunning collection of poems and stories that expound upon religion, love, death, and marriage. I especially enjoyed "Remember God and Forget Self" which emphasizes keeping God first and in remembrance until self is forgotten. I also enjoyed "Beauty of the Beloved", "The House of Love (extract)", and "Description of Love". Each of them are thought provoking and inspiring.
I will say though that while I found the collection and illustrations to be very well done and a pleasure to read, the writing style is very 13th century and can sometimes require a read or two...or three. I think also that this is why the illustrations enhance the reader's experience. In that time period there were many inventions and discoveries that continue to serve us and that we continue to learn more about. Rumi's work did much to highlight that.
Nevertheless, it was a nice rendering overall. I thank NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hashtags: #RumiIllustrated #Rumi #NetGalley #MulticulturalInterest #Poetry #IllustratedBooks #13thCentury
June 23, 2023
Rumi is a famous poet that is known all over the world. This book contains his famous poems that include a variety of themes such as love, death, religion etc. All illustrations are beautiful and enhance this book. Yuu should definetly check out Rumi's poems if you are interested in poems as he is a persian classic and everyone should read something of him.
Thank you Netgalley for this Arc!
Thank you Netgalley for this Arc!
July 18, 2023
Rumi Illustrated is a beautiful and inspiring collection of Rumi's poetry, accompanied by stunning illustrations from the Islamic tradition. The book is divided into three sections: "Love," "Wisdom," and "Spirituality." Each section includes a selection of Rumi's poems, as well as an introduction that provides context and insights into the poems.
The poems in Rumi Illustrated are some of the most beautiful and inspiring poetry ever written. They speak to the human condition in a way that is both universal and profound. The poems are full of love, wisdom, and spirituality, and they offer a unique perspective on the nature of reality.
Overall, Rumi Illustrated is a beautiful and inspiring book that is sure to be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in Rumi's poetry or in Islamic art. I would highly recommend it
The poems in Rumi Illustrated are some of the most beautiful and inspiring poetry ever written. They speak to the human condition in a way that is both universal and profound. The poems are full of love, wisdom, and spirituality, and they offer a unique perspective on the nature of reality.
Overall, Rumi Illustrated is a beautiful and inspiring book that is sure to be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in Rumi's poetry or in Islamic art. I would highly recommend it
July 26, 2023
Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī (1207–73) was a 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic originally from Greater Khorasan in Iran. This Chinese-bound volume offers a selection of his many poems with a variety of themes, including love, marriage, life and death, passion and mysticism, as well as his religious collection, Rubaiyat, and his long poem, Masnavi, one of the most influential works of Sufism, an Islamic form of mysticism.
Almost everyone has heard of this phenomenal poet and this publication is among the best I have read. Beautifully illustrated, the writings of Rumi resonate down through the centuries and are still so relevant. I loved this book and will definitely buy it to keep. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this beautiful publication.
Almost everyone has heard of this phenomenal poet and this publication is among the best I have read. Beautifully illustrated, the writings of Rumi resonate down through the centuries and are still so relevant. I loved this book and will definitely buy it to keep. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this beautiful publication.
June 16, 2023
Rumi Illustrated is an attractive selection of Rumi's writings with illustrations that highlight the meanings. The translations are not new, they are taken from old, well-established collections, so there is no concern with this being a better or worse translation, you have probably already read these versions.
This volume is meant as more of a display book, one you have because you admire Rumi's writing and want an edition that is as visually appealing as the writing is. And to that end this succeeds.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
This volume is meant as more of a display book, one you have because you admire Rumi's writing and want an edition that is as visually appealing as the writing is. And to that end this succeeds.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
February 23, 2025
Can’t recommend this edition. Of course the one page I skipped to before I bought it was my favorite poem of the book, so I didn’t look as much as I should have before purchasing. The first 1/3 was poetry - fine. The last 2/3 were edited summaries followed by excerpts of longer poems. On a couple of occasions it was only the summary - not the actual poem. Too bad because I am a fan of Persian/Ottoman miniatures (there were a lot of nice images) and the binding was beautiful.
July 30, 2024
A very important person when it comes to the literary world. Even after centuries Rumi remains one who can influence a person who reads his work. This book is an apt one for those who want to discover his writings. Everything about this book is enchantingly made.
June 30, 2025
I like the storytelling before some poems. I didn’t enjoy the poems themselves much, maybe they were meant to be read in their original language only. I really like the cover and definitely judged the book by its cover and bought it.
September 26, 2025
Some compelling pieces of art to illuminate the message of the text.
Interesting interrogatories and principles:
"Many are they who have been capture by forms"
Interesting interrogatories and principles:
"Many are they who have been capture by forms"
May 18, 2023
Beautiful book. I loved the illustrations that paired with the poems. Great selection. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Five stars.
August 21, 2023
Nicely put together collection of Rumi's writings, accompanied by traditional images, giving you a real sense of the time and the style of 13th Century Persia. This did feel like a relatively stuffy history book, rather than anything contemporary which could have had broader appeal, so I don't think this will do anything to bring Rumi's writings to a new audience.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews