EXEMPLARY HUMAN RELATIONS AND DEVOTION IN THE AXIS OF SHAMS AND MEVLANA

Abstract

The bond between Shams al-Din Muhammad Tabrizi and Mawlana Jalal al-Din Muhammad Balkhi in 642 AH in Konya marks an unparalleled turning point in the history of Islamic mysticism and mystical literature. This bond went beyond a conventional relationship between a spiritual guide and his disciple; rather, it became a manifestation of two fundamental principles of practical mysticism: “human love” as an awakening and transcendent love, and “self-sacrifice” as a method of spiritual journeying and voluntary self-annihilation.

Using a descriptive-analytical method and drawing upon primary texts such as Maqalat-e Shams, Masnavi-ye Ma'navi, Divan-e Kabir, Fihi Ma Fih, and Manaqib al-Arifin, this article seeks to demonstrate how Shams, through his mirror-like and selfless love, transformed Mawlana from the realm of mere discourse (qāl) to the realm of spiritual experience (ḥāl). It further explores how both of them, through the conscious sacrifice of their knowledge, social standing, and even their very existence, brought this love to eternal fruition.