Rumi sayings and quotes

Ranked #68 in Culture & Society, #1,596 overall

Famous wise sayings by Mevlana

Rumi is best known as a poet to the Western world, but he was also a Sunni Muslim Islamic Jurist, a theologian and sufi mystic. His works were written 13th century 'New Persian'. Persian was a language used by educated people all over the Middle East: from Spain to India. As such he was using the 'English' of the time. No wonder his works cross national and ethnic borders then. His popularity has ensured translations of his works into local languages all over the Muslim world: from Urdu and Bengali to Arabic and Turkish languages. In the past decades his popularity has spread to the West.
Mawlana Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi, also known as Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi has influenced not only Persian literature, but that in many other Muslim cultures as well. Again: South Asia, Turkic languages, Arabic and the West.

He's sometimes even considered the most popular poet in America.

Born in what's now Tajikistan, then part of the Persian empire, in 1207. Rumi traveled the Persian world and ended up in what's now Turkey where he passed on in 1273. His Mevlana Sufi order (famous for the whirling dervishes) is still strongest in Turkey.

One of the reasons for his current popularity is that Rumi was tolerant of all religions, and stressed love and charity in his teachings. The ultimate goal of his Sufi mysticism was unity with the Beloved, aka God or Allah.

[Picture and text abbreviated from Wikipedia]

About Religion and God

Sayings by Mevlana

Praying Hands

Praying Hands Poster
Ashkar, Tim

Christian, Jew, Muslim, shaman, Zoroastrian, stone, ground, mountain, river, each has a secret way of being with the mystery, unique and not to be judged.


Everyone is so afraid of death, but the real sufis just laugh: nothing tyrannizes their hearts. What strikes the oyster shell does not damage the pearl.


If in thirst you drink water from a cup, you see God in it. Those who are not in love with God will see only their own faces in it.


He is a letter to everyone. You open it. It says, 'Live!'


In truth everything and everyone
Is a shadow of the Beloved,
And our seeking is His seeking
And our words are His words...
We search for Him here and there,
while looking right at Him.
Sitting by His side, we ask:
'O Beloved, where is the Beloved?'


God turns you from one feeling to another and teaches you by means of opposites, so that you will have two wings to fly - not one.


Remember, the entrance door to the sanctuary is inside you.

Gaining wisdom

Rumi quotes about spiritual growth and development

No mirror ever became iron again; No bread ever became wheat; No ripened grape ever became sour fruit. Mature yourself and be secure from a change for the worse. Become the light.


Only from the heart Can you touch the sky.


Patience is the key to joy.


People of the world don't look at themselves, and so they blame one another.


Since in order to speak, one must first listen, learn to speak by listening.


That which is false troubles the heart, but truth brings joyous tranquility.


The intelligent want self-control; children want candy.


The middle path is the way to wisdom.


The only lasting beauty is the beauty of the heart.


Thirst drove me down to the water where I drank the moon's reflection.


To praise is to praise how one surrenders to the emptiness.


We come spinning out of nothingness, scattering stars like dust.


We rarely hear the inward music, but we're all dancing to it nevertheless.


You think the shadow is the substance.

About LOVE

Rumi sayings and quotes

Where There is Great Love

Where There is Great Love Poster
Stephanie Marrott

Hangovers come with love, yet love's the cure for hangovers.


Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it. (uncertain whether this is Rumi. It also appears in A Course in Miracles)


The way you make love
is the way God will be with you.



Close both eyes
to see with the other eye.



Every object, every being,
is a jar full of delight.



Let the lover be disgraceful, crazy,
absentminded. Someone sober
will worry about things going badly.
Let the lover be.



The agony of lovers
burns with the fire of passion.
Lovers leave traces of where they've been.
The wailing of broken hearts
is the doorway to God.



Don't grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.



Friends are enemies sometimes, and enemies friends.



I was a tiny bug. Now a mountain. I was left behind. Now honored at the head. You healed my wounded hunger and anger, and made me a poet who sings about joy.



If your guidance is your ego, don't rely on luck for help. you sleep during the day and the nights are short. By the time you wake up your life may be over.



Let the beauty we love be what we do.



Let the lover be disgraceful, crazy, absent-minded. Someone sober will worry about events going badly. Let the lover be.



Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love.



Most people guard against going into the fire, and so end up in it.



My friend, the sufi is the friend of the present moment. To say tomorrow is not our way.



Nightingales are put in cages because their songs give pleasure. Whoever heard of keeping a crow?



No longer a stranger, you listen all day to these crazy love-words. Like a bee you fill hundreds of homes with honey, though yours is a long flight from here.

Rumi and Sufi Sayings and Quotes

Rumi quotes and sayings
Spiritual Quotes from the famous sufi poet / seer.
Al Ghazzali Quotes
Sufi quotations from Al Ghazzali the great Muslim scholar and mystic.
Theodore J. Nottingham Quotes from his books
"From this blessed line of teachers has come forth in our time yet another
master. Karlfried Graf Durckheim, who died at the age of 92 in December of 1988,
is a beacon for humanity whose influence has only begun to be felt. Here is a
man
Quotes from "The Commanding Self" by Idries Shah
Nowadays, few people contest the importance of knowing about conditioning in order to examine belief-systems. Why, therefore, is it so difficult to communicate with so many people along these lines? The answer is very simple. We are at a stage in
Beautiful Sufi quotes
Beautiful and inspiring quotations from the sufi tradition.
Rumi sayings and quotes calendars and planners
Inspirational calendars and planners featuring Jelaluddin Rumi the sufi poet and mystic.
Rumi books featuring his poems and quotes
Inspiring Rumi translations
Rumi Calendars, Agenda books and Planners
Perhaps the most popular poet today is the Muslim Rumi, who composed his verses in 13th century Persia. These poems gained popular recognition through the translations of Coleman Barks, whose mystical interpretation has touched a cord with millions. I've found the best 2011 Rumi Calendars for you.Sh

Do you love Rumi? Is your favorite quote here? Share if it's not...

submit

Books

Rumi is one of the most beloved spiritual poets of all time. No home library should be without a volume of his poems. On this page I share some of the most popular translations into the English language.

Rumi books

Loading

The Illuminated Rumi

Beautiful translations of Rumi poetry illustrated with the unique art of Michael Green.

Coleman Barks made Rumi popular in the English speaking world in one stroke when he started translating Rumi into English. This is one of his most popular Rumi renditions.

A great gift idea.

The Illuminated Rumi

Amazon Price: $18.36 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $30.00

Buy in the UK (Amazon)

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

One Song: A New Illuminated Rumi

Beautiful poems by Rumi illustrated with artwork by Michael Green. Included is a CD with bluegrass and blues renditions of the poetry. Very inspiring and beautifully done.

One Song: A New Illuminated Rumi

Amazon Price: $12.51 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

Buy in the UK (Amazon)

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Rumi Audio CD, performed by Coleman Barks

Rumi Audio CD, performed by Coleman Banks barks


# Publisher: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC Audio) (January 2005)
# Language: English

Rumi collections

Poems and quotes

Loading

Sufism and Spirituality

Related links and more by me.

More Islam and Sufism

Religious Jewelry
Best Beautiful Islamic Muslim Jewelry in silver and gold

I've organized this religious jewelry by price: the most beautiful and expensive at the top (over $100), the more affordable and cheap rings and pendants to...


rings
Islamic silver rings for Muslim men

Following the example of Prophet Muhammad, Muslim men often wear silver rings. In fact, tradition dictates that they don't wear rings of any other metal. No...


islam
Quiz: Islam facts and trivia

Test your knowledge of Islam and it's prophet Muhammad. Do you know your Muslim trivia? Are you good at multiple choice? I've made you a 10 question...


Religious Jewelry
Arabian Jewelry and Middle Eastern Jewelry

Some of these items can be personalized - with your name in Arabic letters for instance. Others feature Allah or the Kaaba. I hope you enjoy my selection of...


Gifts for her
Stunning Islamic Jewelry for Women

Don't you love wearing a bit of silver and gold -that also expresses your Muslim faith? I've found you hamsa pendants, star and crescent rings, evil eye ...


rumi
Best Rumi Books of Poetry

Jalaladin Rumi was born in Wakhsh in Tajikistan on the 30th September 1207 to a family of learned Muslim theologians. Escaping the Mongol invasion and destruction,...


islam
Muslim Christmas and Holiday Decorations

Islam and Christmas aren't as incompatible as they may sound to some of us. Millions of Muslims live in places where Christmas is celebrated and so do...


rumi
Rumi quotes on life

What's more important to us than Life? I would not know. These are some quotes of Jaladin Rumi, aka Mevlana, about this most important of issues to think ...


muslim
Best Eid ul Fitr Clothing Gifts

Islam prescribes modesty in clothing, so modest but beautiful clothing makes a great Eid gift for men and women. Contrary to what some people believe there is...


muslim
Best Eid ul Fitr Gifts for Muslim Children

Children wait impatiently for Eid ul Fitr, as after a month of fasting and praying they are showered with presents. Clothes, Sweets, Games, Books, and more...


home decorating
Best Eid ul Fitr Home Decorations

Decorating the house is an integral part of Eid ul Fitr celebrations. Quranic Verses and pictures of Kaaba are the most popular items used by devout Muslim...


home decorating
Hamsa home decor and wall decoration

The Hamsa is a sacred symbol of luck and health throughout the Middle East. This symbol unites Muslims and Jews in a common cultural heritage. On this page you...


Gifts for him
Valentine's Day Religious and Spiritual Gifts for Muslim Men

Al Wadud - The Loving is one of the 99 names of Allah revealed in the Quran. This page aims to bring together a comprehensive collection of Valentine's Day...


islamic
Best Eid ul Fitr Gifts and Presents for Muslims

Eid ul Fitr, also known as Id al Fitr, marks the end of Holy month of Ramadan/Ramzan. Muslims all over the world fast during the month of Ramadan - as prescribed...


india
India: religion, yoga, people and places

India is, to me, one of the most fascinating countries in the world. The variety of peoples there, the variety of religions and philosophical perspectives,...


home decorating
Best Islamic Art Gifts for Eid ul Fitr

An Art Gift displays class and refinement. Art doesn't necessarily have to be expensive. There are tasteful reproductions, posters, and calendars which ...


Arabic
Best Software to Learn the Arabic Language

Learning Arabic will help you gain a first hand understanding of the political, cultural, and economic situation in North Africa and West Asia. With over 28...


islam
Coleman Barks, Rumi translator and poet

Coleman Barks (born 1937) is an American poet. Although he neither speaks nor reads Persian, he is nonetheless renowned as an interpreter of Rumi and other mystic...


games for kids
Best Eid ul Fitr Games for Muslim Kids and Family

This Lens is dedicated to Islamic Games for Eid ul Fitr. No doubt these games can be played all the year around with friends and family. However, kids of all...

Muslim
Muslim Religious Books for Children

Children usually receive Quran lessons in countries where Muslims are in a majority, or form a substantial part of the population. However, Religious education...


cool gadgets
Best Islamic Gadgets for Eid ul Fitr

The choice of gadgets for Eid ul Fitr is impressive to say the least. It does make the task of choosing the best one for a particular recipient a bit tough....


gift baskets
Eid ul Fitr Gift Hampers and Halal Gift Baskets

Eid ul Fitr signals the end of an entire month of Fasting. What better way to celebrate the feast than by gifting your loved ones Gift Hampers and Gift baskets...


islam
The Essential Koran

This is just what it says: a book with selected quotes from the Quran (aka Koran or Qu'ran) that just help lay people to get to know the world of Islam and...


Halal
Best Eid ul Fitr Halal Food Gifts for Muslims

Islam puts a lot of emphasis on Halal in all aspects of life. Be sure to check out the certifications and ingredients used in preparing a Food Gift before purchasing...

Essential Sufism, edited by Fadiman and Frager
Though in a sense I grew up to appreciate Sufism, as it was my grandfather's specialty, this book was my first real introduction to it's poetry, wisdom and mysticism.
Fourth Way & Sufism - quotes and articles
Articles on Gurdjieff's Fourth Way and the spiritual path in Islam: Sufism.
Best Sufi books, books on Sufism, great Islam and Sufism books
This is a list of the most popular books introducing Sufism to the spiritual reader. Let me start with The Essential Rumi the Rumi translation by Coleman Barks that warmed the heart of many, and created his reputation as THE

More spiritual inspiration

People talking about Rumi

Poetry of Rumi awakens artistry
The Rumi Ensemble performs Aaretan (The Seekers of the Beloved) during rehearsal in Bedford for a concert on Friday at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Dalhousie Arts Centre. (ADRIEN VECZAN / Staff) Reading Rumi's poetry helped Saeed compose music fit for ...
Learning to love laughter
MONTREAL - One Valentine's Day weekend past, I was invited to a party where I was told a guest speaker would teach love exercises inspired by the love poems of Rumi. This seemed miles out of my comfort zone. I was contemplating skipping the party to ...
If I Can Do It, They Can Too: An Interview with Mina Javaherbin
A interpretation of an ancient Persian poem by Jalaledin Rumi, it's the tale of a merchant who keeps a parrot in his shop to attract customers. When the merchant travels to India, he promises to bring something home for each family member, ...

My spiritual quotes blog

Loading Fetching RSS feed... please stand by
Important!

Thanks for all your support!

A big thank you to all of you who've supported my online work by:

Author of this page: Katinka Hesselink

Author of this page: Katinka HesselinkKatinka Hesselink has been fascinated with religion for as long as she can remember. She started studying theosophy and the world religions in earnest when she was 19. She loves reading books about any and all the spiritual traditions, and reviews them online.

She even did a stint of university studying World Religion, specializing in Buddhism and Indian religions.

She has gathered inspiring quotes and informative articles on Buddhism, Sufism, Mystic Christianity and of course theosophy on her website Katinka Hesselink Net. On her popular spiritual blog All Considering she shares her knowledge, experiences and thoughts on spiritual topics.

by

spirituality

I'm a webmaster and student of religion and spirituality. See my website on religion and spirituality: www.katinkahesselink.net or my spiritual blog: All... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Rumi: The Book of Love: Poems of Ecstasy and Longing 

Selection and translation by Coleman Banks

Rumi: The Book of Love: Poems of Ecstasy and Longing

Amazon Price: $14.04 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

Most popular with readers of this lens...

Buy in Europe (Amazon.co.uk)

The Forbidden Rumi  

The controversial 23rd Divan

The Forbidden Rumi: The Suppressed Poems of Rumi on Love, Heresy, and Intoxication

Amazon Price: $8.56 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

A volume of Sufi poetry so controversial that the Turkish government, which supported translating the previous 22 volumes, refused its cooperation on this one. Since modern people are hardly likely to be unable to do anything which a government deems unwise, Nevit o. Ergin went ahead with this translation anyhow. It's advertised as a volume that will surprise all Muslims and which will open the eyes of the West to a forgotten side of Islam - fundamentalism certainly isn't all there is...
Now aren't you curious? I know I am!