Mystic Fervour and Similarities in the Poetry of Rumi and Kabir

Dr. Shamenaz Bano, Associate Professor (English), Dept. of Applied Sciences & Humanities,

Allahabad Institute of Engineering & Technology, Allahabad.

Rumi and Kabir are the two mystical legendry philosopher poets unanimously recognized

and respected around the world for their mysticism, love, devotion and humanity. Their works

are considered as best poetical works inspiring people from generations to live peacefully with

all the ethnic groups residing in the world. A brief knowledge of the order or tradition to which

they belonged is imperative in the understanding of these two poetic geniuses. While Kabir

was a follower of Bhakti cult, Rumi belonged to the Sufi tradition.

Sufism is a concept in Islam as defined by many scholars, intellectuals the inner, mystical

dimension in Islam. There are many interpretations and meaning regarding Sufism as a word

or a practise. It is one of the most popular religious orders of the world. Sufism is still

practised around the globe especially in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Many classical Sufi scholars have defined Sufism as, “a science whose objective in the

reparation of the heart and turning it away from else but God.” Another Sufi teacher, Ahmad

Ibn Ajiba defines Sufism in the following words:

“a science through which one can know how to travel into

the presence of the Divine, purify one’s inner self from

filth, and beautify it with a variety of praiseworthy traits.”(Ahmad IbnAjiba)

Sufism is believed to be universal in nature that is the reason for which it is amalgamated in all

the other ethnic societies of the world. As author Idries Shah had opined that, ‘Sufi philosophy

is universal in nature, its roots predating the rise of Islam and Christianity. ( 279–281)

There are many schools of Sufism around the world including Western countries who allow

non Muslims to receive, “instructions on following the Sufi paths.” However with the rise of

radicalization in Islam, some Muslim scholars have become opponents to Sufism declaring it

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outside the sphere of Islam. But still the influence of Sufism is beyond the boundaries and

expanding day by day and has spanned several continents and cultures over a millennium. The

belief of Sufism was originally expressed in Arabic but it expanded to Persian, Turkish, Indian

languages and many other languages of the world.

The word, ‘sufi’ as believed by Abu RayhamAlbiruni, a medieval scholar is derived from

the Greek word ‘sofia’ meaning wisdom which is quite complimentary for Sufi saints who

devout their entire life acquiring wisdom. There are different Sufi orders and their teachings

varies from each other but Sufism as whole primarily believe in direct personal experience and

hence sometimes it is compared with other ethnic forms of mysticism resulting in bringing

harmony with other forms (e.g., as in the books of Hossein Nasr).

There are various Islamic Institutes around the world promulgating tolerance, peace and

brotherhood among different ethnic groups. The Islamic Institute in Mannheim, Germany is

working towards the integration of Europe and Muslims. The Institute views Sufism as

particularly suited for interreligious dialogue and intercultural harmonisation in democratic

and pluralist societies. It believes Sufism as a symbol of tolerance and humanism ___non-

dogmatic, flexible and nonviolent (25).Philips Jenkins, a Professor at Baylor University speaks

about Sufism:

The Sufis are much more than tactical allies for the West:

they are, potentially, the greatest hope for pluralism and

democracy within Muslim nations.

So Sufism is a path which promotes peace, non-violence and harmony around the world. In the

same way, Bhakti movement also follows the same doctrine.

Bhakti movement was the religious movement of India in Hinduism during medieval

period. The movement believed in ‘moksh’ which can attainable by all. Moksha refers to the

liberation there is remarkable difference in the 'bhakti' in the two places. The Southern

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movement favoured devotion to Shiva, Vishnu and his avatars, the Northern paid their

devotion to Rama and Krishna, and both of them are believed to be incarnations of Vishnu.

However, the devotion towards Shiva and Vishnu also existed in North India. The Bhakti

movement co-existed peacefully with the other movements in Hinduism. The Bhakti saints

were against the division of caste in Indian society. They disregarded Brahmanic rituals and

did not consider it necessary for spiritual salvation. As it was against the superstitions and

orthodox belief existing in the society, it gained immense popularity among the masses. But

with the passage of time, due to its popularity and royal patronage by many rulers it became

orthodox. However it is still considered as one of most important modes of religious

expression in modern India.

Some very influential saints of 19th century of Bhakti movement were Sant Kabir, Namdev,

Raidas and Pipaji. They paths they carved out were easy for common people to follow. I also

brought reforms in the society. The most important reform which they tried to do is that

bringing equality in the class and caste ridden society.

These two movements Sufi and Bhakti movements were closely related to each other. They

were like two sides of a same coin. They almost appeared at the same time. Both the

movements advocated that a personal expression of devotion to God is the way to become at

one with Him. There are many other values and belief which are very similar to each other

advocated by both the movements. Even Saints and Philosophers associated with Sufi and

Bhakti movements had same thoughts. Jalaluddin Rumi and Saint Kabir are two such saints

belonging to Bhakti and Sufi traditions. They preached the quite identical as reflected by their

poetry reflects. Jalaluddin Rumi and Saint Kabir are the two mystical masters and poets who

have laid their lives giving message of peace, brotherhood and humanity. For these reasons

they both are ranked among the world’s greatest poet of all times, and their couplet are widely

read and translated in all the languages of the world. They are mostly united in their broader

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outlook towards religion, love for mankind, mystic and spiritual approach to reach the

almighty God.

Kabir is recognized as a soul of India and perhaps the most quoted author, with the

exception of Tulsidas. He is a mystic poet and one of the most famous saints of India who

greatly influenced the Bhakti movement. His date of birth is a little uncertain and is believed to

be perhaps in 1398-1448 and thought to have lived longer than 100 years. His works are

critique of almost all the existing sects in India, whether Hindu or Muslims or others but is still

mentioned with respect by even orthodox writers. His influence on Indian philosophy and

Hindi poetry is immense and can still be seen.

The name Kabir is derived from Arabic al-Kabir meaning ‘The Great’ is the 37th name of

God in Islam. Today Kabir’s greatness and legacy has lead to a path known as ‘KabirPanth’

(Path of Kabir). It is a religious community which recognises him as its founder and is one of

the Sant Mat sects. Kabir has shown his belief in both Bhakti and Sufi ideas.He has greatly

contributed to the Indian mystical writing, his works include: Bijak, SakhiGranth, Kabir

Granthawali and Anurag Sagar. Songs of Kabir is a collection of his poems by

KshitimohanSen from mendicants across India, which has been translated by Rabindranath

Tagore.

He wrote many poetry and songs which are still recited and sung in the Indian household.

These writings are renowned in literary scenario as well. His recorded verses are in Hindi and

are characterised by a free use of the vernacular. It is unfettered by the grammatical bonds of

his day. This is the quality of Kabir’s philosophy which has made it easy accessible the Indians

since generations and people love to read his poetry even now.

Jalauddin Mohammad Rumi was born in 1207 in Wakhsh (Tajikistan) to a family of

theologians; he founded the Mawlawi Sufi order which is a leading mystical brotherhood of

Islam. He is called as Mevlana or Mawlana meaning ‘master.’A leading mystic poet of all

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times, he was initiated into the mystical path by a wandering dervish, Shamsuddin of Tabriz.

Throughout his life, he has composed many Persian poems (ghazals) which have been

collected in the DivaniKabir or Diwan Shams Tabrizi. His influence transcends national

borders and ethnic divisions: Iranians, Turks, Cappadocian Greeks, Afghans, Tajiks, other.

Central Asian Muslims of South Asia have greatly appreciated his spiritual legacy for the past

seven centuries. Today he isthe most widely read poet and best seller in America.

In his lifetime, Rumi was greatly inspired by dervish Shamse Tabrizi who changed his life

and from an accomplished teacher and jurist, transformed him into an ascetic. He was

encouraged by his companion, Salahuddin Zarkub and later by his favourite student and

companion, Hussame Chalabi who inspired him to write. By Hussam imploration, Rumi began

dictating the six volumes of his masterpiece work, the Masnavi to him in Anatolia and

completed in twelve years. His Masnavi are the fables with events from everyday life, Quranic

revelations and exegesis and also metaphysics into a vast and intricate tapestry.

Rumi believed in Sufism and so like other mystic and Sufi poets of Persian literature, his

general theme is the concept of union with his beloved (the primal root) from which/whom he

has been cut off and become aloof___and his longing and desire to restore it, which is the

concept of tawhid. He had a great admiration for poetry, music and dance and believed

passionately that they are a path to reach God. Rumi believed that music helps devotees to

focus their whole being on the divine and in the intense practise of music the soul was both

destroyed and resurrected. All these ideas became the base of the practice of whirling

Dervishes which later developed into a ritual form. His teachings paved the way for Mevlevi

order, which was further carried by his son, sultan Walad. Rumi favoured Sama, listening to

sacred music or performing the sacred dance. Sama is a part of Mevlevi tradition, representing

a mystical journey of spiritual ascent through mind and love to the Perfect One. This is the

journey, in which the seeker symbolically turns towards the truth, develops through love,

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forsakes ego, searches truth and arrives at the Perfect. Hence the seeker returns from a

mystical or spiritual voyage, with profound maturity, to love and to be of service to the whole

of creation without discrimination with regard to belief, races, classes and nations. As Rumi

gives the universal message of love in his verses in Masnavi, he speaks in one of his verse:

The lover’s cause is separate from all other causes

Love is the astrolabe of God’s mysteries.

His poetic works include: Matnawiye Manawi, which are Spiritual Couplets, a six

volume containing approximately 27, 000 lines of Persian poetry. It is believed by many

scholars, intellectuals and poets to be one of the greatest works of mystical poetry. His other

major work is the Diwane Kabir or Diwane Shamse Tabrizi containing 35000 Persian

couplets, 2000 Persian quatrains, 90 Ghazals, 19 quatrains and 19 quatrains and a couple of

dozen or so couplets in Turkish and 14 couplets in Greek. He has also has some prose work

in Persian to his credit likeFihi Ma Fihi (In It What’s in It) providing a record of seventy one

talks and lectures given by Rumi to his disciples on various occasions. The second is

Majalese Saba (Seven Sessions) and as the name implies it contains seven Persian sermons

given by him in seven different assemblies. And the last is Makatib(The Letters), a book

containing his letters to his disciples, family members, men of state and of influence.

Rumi’s writings have universal appeal like Kabir, they are considered as ecumenical in

nature. For him, religion was mostly a personal experience, not confining to logical

arguments or perceptions of the senses. His creativity was based on love, or the urge to rejoin

the spirit to divinity, the goal towards which everything moves. He believed that, the dignity

of life particularly human life (which is conscious of its divine origin and goal) was

important. It can be summed up in the following statement: ‘The nation of Love has a

different religion of all religions___For lovers, God alone is their religion. He had a spiritual

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vision whose abstruseness is much wider and is beyond narrow sectarian concerns. In one of

his rubaiyat, he says:

On the seeker’s path, wise men/fools are one.

In his love, brothers and strangers are one.

Go on! Drink the wine of the beloved!

In that faith, Muslims and pagans are one. (3)

In the above stanza, poet is referring God as his beloved, which is a fine example of ‘Ishq-e-

haqiqi.’

Kabir also gave the message of love to all humans, irrespective of caste and religion, as

in one of his dohas, ‘Looking at the grinding stone’ he speaks his emotions:

Kabira in the market place, wishes welfare of all

Neither friendship nor enmity with anyone at all

Reading books everyone died, none became any wise

One who reads the words of Love, only becomes wise.

Rumi and Kabir, both believed in same ideology and were against superstitions, idol-worship

and blind faith followed by people. For them a pure heart was the centre of all pilgrimage.In

one of his poem, Going to Mecca, Rumi is addressing the pilgrims who visitsthe Holy land to

free themselves from all sins:

O! pilgrim who visits the Holy Land

I’ll show you heaven in a grain of sand.

Why traverse deserts, why confronts the storm,

If within you, resides the formless form.

Of the Beloved? If he’s in your heart,

Your pilgrimage has ended where you start.

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This is the height of his purity of his thought poured down in the form of poem reflecting his

true vision detached from worldly forms. In a similar way Kabir also expresses his views in

one of his Sakhi, ‘Where do you Search me’:

Moko Kahan Dhundhere Bande

Mein To TerePaas Mein

Na Teerath Mein, Na Moorat Mein

Na EkantNiwas Mein

Na Mandir Mein, Na Masjid Mein

Na Kabe Kailas Mein

If these lines are translated in English, it means the following:

Where do you search me?

I am with you

Not in pilgrimage, nor in icons

Neither in solitudes

Not in temples, nor in mosques

Neither in Kaba nor in Kailash

They both had the opinion that God resides in our hearts and one should find Him in it means

making our hearts pure free from any malice and prejudices.

Kabir’s philosophy has a great impact on social and practical manifestation on people

since ages irrespective of caste, creed and religion. It is so because he represented a synthesis

of both Hindu and Muslim faith. He accepted virtues from both the religion as he believed in

the concept of reincarnation and law of Karma from Hinduism. He rejected the caste system

and idolatry and practice single God which is the doctrine of Islam. He propounded the

simplicity of religion. According to Kabir, all life is interplay of two spiritual principles. One

is the personal soul (Jivatma) and the other is God (Paramatma). He believed that salvation is

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the process of bringing into unison these two divine principles of soul and God. Kabir believes

that whatever one possess belongs to God and human has

Mera mujhme kuchh nahin, jo kuchh hai sab tor

Tera tujhko sab saunp de, kya laagat hai mor.

(Referring to God he says:

Nothing that is mine belong to me, all that I have is yours.

To give all that belongs to you, it costs me nothing.

In the same way Rumi says in one of his couplet, ‘By His Will’:

Only by His will do atoms move

The beat of every wing He must approve

No one can explain this and none should try

The infinite can never answer ‘why?’

Even though we strive to know the ‘how?’

Through science, before Him we have to bow

And give ourselves, our lives and will to God

With no thought of a blessing or reward.

Rumi thus reflects the same spirit towards God as it was later believed by Kabir.

Kabir has a great impact on Indian history and society. He equally holds relevance for Hindus,

Muslims and Sikhs alike. He openly criticised superstitions and idol worship existing in all

sects and gave a new direction to the Indian philosophy. He touches the soul, the conscience,

and the sense of awareness and the vitality of existence in a manner that is unequalled in both

simplicity and style. It is for this reason that Kabir acquires high esteem in the hearts of

million around the world.

They both respected Prophets, saints and philosophers of all religions. As it is obvious in

one of the poem by Rumi, In Voices when he says:

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 All Prophets are but windows to the light,

You can’t say one was wrong and one was right.

They are the same, their message is but one,

To crave the light, is to accept the sun.

Kabir also believed in the same ideology as in none of his couplets he has criticised any

Prophets, saints and philosophers of any religion.

Rumi believed in simplicity of life which is away from material desires and longing, as

his views can be summed up in the following lines of the poem ‘The Will to Drown’:

Desire and your longings will bring you to a fall,

Why fear falling, my friend, isn’t it after all.

Like willing yourself to drown in God and go to paradise,

To a haven under the waters or a garden in the skies?

In a similar vein Kabir says in one of his couplet, ‘The Last Flight’:

The Swan will fly away all alone,

Spectacle of the world will be a mere fair

As the leaf falls from the tree

Is difficult to find?

Who know where it will fall?

Once it is struck with a gust of wind

When life span is complete

Then listening to orders, following others, will be over.

Both Rumi and Kabir have lived a simple life not depending upon any material desires and

longing.

Kabir is held in high esteem around the world because his poetry touches the soul, the

conscience, and the sense of awareness and the vitality of existence in a manner that is

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unequalled in both simplicity and style. Another beauty of his poetry is that he derives his

inspiration from the situations of daily lives. In the present scenario also his poetry are

importance and helpful in both social as well as spiritual context. People follow him as he is

not only considered as poet but also a spiritual master. Following Kabir means understanding

one’s inner self, realizing oneself, accepting oneself as is and becoming harmonious with one’s

surroundings.

Both Rumi and Kabir are mystical poets giving message of peace and brotherhood to the

world.They believed in love and devotion to the Lord, love of fellowmen, compassion for all

beings, and the moral principles of good and noble living. It is their greatness that after so

many centuries have passed since their existence but they are still being loved, praised and

respected, not only by the lover of poetry but also by the common people as well around the

world.

References

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2. An English translation of Ahmad ibnAjiba's biography has been published by Fons
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3. Munn, Richard C. (January–March 1969). "Reviewed work (s): The Sufis by Idries
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25. Khalifah Abdul Hakim, "JalalalDinRumi" in M.M. Sharif, ed., A History of Muslim
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