The Arabic Poems of Rumi: Arabic Literature and Language

In the vast tapestry of Arabic literature, a hidden gem shines brightly: the Arabic poems of Rumi, the beloved Sufi poet and mystic. Known primarily for his Persian verse, Rumi's Arabic poetry holds an equal, if not greater, significance, offering a unique glimpse into his spiritual journey and his mastery of the Arabic language.

Love Is My Savior: The Arabic Poems of Rumi (Arabic Literature and Language)

by Martin McDonagh

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4042 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	108 pages

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Born in 1207 in Balkh, present-day Afghanistan, Rumi spent his early years in a Persian-speaking environment. However, he was also deeply immersed in Arabic culture and language, studying the works of renowned Arab poets such as al-Mutanabbi and al-Ghazali.

Rumi's Arabic poems, known as his Diwan-i Shams-i Tabrizi, are a testament to his linguistic prowess and his profound understanding of Islamic mysticism. In these verses, he explores the themes of love, longing, and the search for the divine with an intensity and passion that have captivated readers for centuries.

The Lyrical Beauty of Rumi's Arabic Verse

Rumi's Arabic poetry is renowned for its lyrical beauty and rhythmic complexity. He employs a wide range of poetic devices, including rhyme, alliteration, and assonance, to create a mesmerizing effect that appeals to both the ear and the soul.

In this poem, Rumi compares the beloved to a radiant garden that heals the wounds of the heart:

وحديقة نوارها العقول وموردها من ماء أصفى من نحول

(A garden whose flowers are minds And whose source is from water purer than honey)

Through his masterful use of language, Rumi paints a vivid picture of a paradise where the mind finds solace and the soul is nourished.

The Mystical Themes of Rumi's Arabic Poetry

Beyond their lyrical beauty, Rumi's Arabic poems are also deeply rooted in Islamic mysticism. He draws upon the teachings of the Sufis, a mystical branch of Islam, to explore the nature of the divine and the path to spiritual enlightenment.

In this poem, Rumi expresses his longing for the divine, comparing himself to a moth drawn to a flame:

أنا شمعةُ البيت يا نورُ الحرم وجناحُ الفراش اشتياقي والسقم

(I am the moth of the house, O light of the sanctuary And the wings of the moth are my longing and my disease)

Rumi's poetry captures the essence of the Sufi path, a journey of self-discovery and union with the divine.

The Hidden Gem of Arabic Literature

Despite its brilliance, Rumi's Arabic poetry has remained relatively unknown outside of the Arabic-speaking world. This is largely due to the fact that most of his work has been translated into English and other languages from his Persian verse, rather than his Arabic originals.

However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in Rumi's Arabic poems, as scholars and translators have recognized their immense value and beauty. Several collections of Rumi's Arabic poetry have been published in English, making them more accessible to a wider audience.

The Arabic poems of Rumi are a precious treasure that offer a unique insight into the mind and heart of one of the greatest poets and mystics of all time. Through his exquisite use of language and his profound spiritual themes, Rumi's Arabic verse captivates the soul and inspires the spirit.

As we delve into the hidden gem of Rumi's Arabic poetry, we not only discover a new facet of his genius but also gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of Arabic literature and language.

Love Is My Savior: The Arabic Poems of Rumi (Arabic Literature and Language)

by Martin McDonagh

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4042 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	108 pages

FREE