Rumi's Life and Teachings

The transcript explores the life and transformation of Jalaluddin Muhammad Rumi, a renowned scholar and poet, through his encounter with Shams of Tabriz. This meeting shifted Rumi's focus from academic pursuits to Sufism, emphasizing divine love. Rumi's works, including 'Divan-i-Shams' and 'Masnavi', reflect his spiritual journey and have left a lasting impact on Persian poetry and global literature. His teachings continue to inspire through the Mevlevi Sufi order, highlighting the universal message of love and devotion.

Who was the mysterious figure that approached Rumi and changed his life?

• Omar Khayyam

• Hafiz

• Ibn Arabi

• Shams of Tabriz

What was Rumi's profession before meeting Shams?

• A poet

• A Sufi mystic

• A scholar of Islamic law

• A merchant

How did Rumi's focus change after meeting Shams?

• He started a business

• He traveled extensively

• He focused on reuniting his soul with God through divine love

• He became more interested in politics

What was the reaction of Rumi's followers to his embrace of Sufism?

• They were indifferent

• Many disapproved

• They joined him in Sufism

• They were supportive

What did Rumi do after Shams disappeared?

• He abandoned Sufism

• He became more devoted to Sufism

• He left Konya

• He stopped writing poetry

What is the 'Divan-i-Shams'?

• A collection of Rumi's legal writings

• A book of mystical stories

• A historical account of Rumi's life

• A collection of lyrical poems

What shift is seen in Rumi's 'Masnavi'?

• From poetry to prose

• From divine love to guiding others to discover it

• From Sufism to Islamic law

• From personal stories to historical accounts

What characters does Rumi invoke in one of his stories to illustrate love?

• Romeo and Juliet

• Layla and Majnun

• Antony and Cleopatra

• Tristan and Isolde

What was established around Rumi's teachings after his death?

• A trade guild

• A Sufi order

• A political movement

• A university

How is Rumi's message perceived by many today?

• As outdated

• As culturally specific

• As controversial

• As universal