Rumi: Whispers of the Beloved

By Maryam Mafi and Azima Melita Kolin

A breathtaking new collection of translations of poems by Rumi, one of the world’s most loved mystical teachers. Beautifully illustrated with Persian calligraphy, this is an ideal ebook for every MBS reader.

Jalal-uddin Rumi was born in what is now Afghanistan in 1207. His poetry has inspired generations of spiritual seekers, both from his own Sufi school and well beyond. His poems speak to the seeker and the lover in all of us.

In recent years, interest in Rumi has skyrocketed, with perrfomances, CDs by Deepak Chopra, and filmed versions of his life all in the work. In these beautiful, simple new translations – 100 in all – his timeless appeal is obvious.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins UK
• Release date: Sep 6, 2012
• ISBN: 9780007388677

Maryam Mafi

Maryam Mafi left Iran in 1977 to study Sociology and Literature at Tufts University in the United States. While reading for her Master’s degree in International Communications in Washington DC, she began translating Persian literature. Her thesis on the relationship of literature and social change and the bridging together of cultures has been a pivotal force in her work.

Book preview

Rumi

Whispers of the Beloved

Quatrains

selected and translated by

AZIMA MELITA KOLIN

and

MARYAM MAFI

Contents

Cover

Title Page

Introduction

Quatrains

Terms and Symbolism

Acknowledgements

Source Note

Copyright

About the Publisher

Introduction

It is the thirteenth century and times are tumultuous in the East. The Persian Empire is in chaos and division and corruption are rife amongst the ruling classes. The Mogul armies of Genghis Khan are moving westward, invading and pillaging country after country. People are living in fear and disbelief, having lost faith in their political and religious leaders. The Persians will soon bear witness to one of the worst massacres in history at the hands of the Mogul invaders.

Mowlana Jallaledin Mohamad Rumi is born on 30 September 1207, on the far eastern edge of the Persian Empire in Balkh in modern-day Afghanistan. His father, Baha-e Valad, is a renowned religious leader with a great following. A descendant of a long line of theologians, teachers, scholars and Islamic jurists, he eventually falls into disfavor with the brutal local ruler. Fearing the impending Mogul invasion, Rumi’s father gathers his family and followers and leaves his homeland. After years of traveling during the mayhem of war and destruction they eventually arrive in Konya, in the province of Rum in present-day Turkey. Konya, melting pot of many cultures, religions and nationalities, is also a center of science, literature and learning. Rumi, now in his teens, is nourished in an atmosphere of love, stability and intellectual richness. Meanwhile the Turkish leader of the province offers

Reviews for Rumi

[knotbox · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

 It's a beautifully done collection and is very thought-provoking. Sufi mysticism hinging on a very romantic love of God, and something I've always been fascinated with. I think some facets of Hinduism are similar, at least when I hear devotional songs for Krishna, they remind me of sensual Ghazals I've also heard.I'll have to keep flipping through this to absorb it all. I'm also partial to looking at it literally as well, but the mention of finding love within oneself is most tantalizing. There's so much to get out of these quatrains.