Spiritual Lessons of Muslim Revolutionists Imam Ali and Jalal al-din Rumi

A prominent element in regards to oral traditions surviving the testament of time is the simplicity, directness, and concision that such traditions tend to be composed of. This makes it appear as though these early simple teaching can have an endless stream of commentary stem from a small assortment of simple words. Certainly such phrases and sayings by highly revered Islamic revolutionists Imam Ali and Jalal al-din Rumi tend to be simple in design much like these oral traditions, but a careful analysis of their work will depict the true depth of their teachings. Through their teachings, these two men are able to clearly show the distinction between spirituality as their lessons greatly depend on the individual recognizing that faith is better known as the complete trust in something even if there is a lack of evidence for that trust and that spirituality is more so more so the process of introspection or the examination of one’s own private feelings and thoughts and how they themselves relate to the world they live in. These two connoisseurs of Islamic spirituality also have the mindfulness to develop their lessons in such a way that even non-Muslims can resonate with their teachings and apply it to their own ways of life.

As the first cousin of Muhammad, arguably the most revered prophet in Islam, Imam Ali (Hadrat Ali) was born around 600 A.D. in Mecca. Many Islamic scholars from both the sects of Sunni and Shia believe that Imam Ali may have been the first Muslim. Ali is often viewed as the epitome of virtue, honor, and feeling as well as a champion of knowledge. Ali wore many hats during his time including warrior, scholar, leader, and father. Yet, he is most remembered for his quotes and phrases meant to be lessons to bett...

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...ilar lessons on faith, love, patience, and spirituality. Through these lessons it can be seen that both men believe that all people are equal in the eyes of god. They encourage all people to seek out god regardless of who they are. Even non-Muslims can benefit from their teachings. The lessons of both men show that neither men judged people on their previous activities. Rather, both emphasized the need to do right by god and family in order to complete the journey of enlightenment.

Works Cited

Cleary, Thomas. Living & Dying with Grace: Counsels of Ḥaḍrat ʻAlī. Boston: Shambhala, 1995. Print.

Lewis, Franklin D. Rumi, past and Present, East and West: The Life, Teaching and Poetry of Jalal Al-Din Rumi. Oxford: Oneworld, 2001. Print

Schimmel, Annemarie, and Annemarie Schimmel. Rumi's World: The Life and Work of the Great Sufi Poet. Boston: Shambhala, 2001. Print.