What does this research mean for the field?

The meeting between the starkly different personas of Shams of Tabriz and Rumi catalyzed Rumi's profound transformation from a committed cleric into a whirling dervish and Sufi poet, driven by their mutual sense of incompleteness. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore the transformation of Rumi into a Sufi poet following his meeting with Shams of Tabriz.

June 1, 2026Open Access

Rendezvous between Shams of Tabriz and Rumi

Key Points

The aim is to explore the transformation of Rumi into a Sufi poet following his meeting with Shams of Tabriz.
Analysis of historical texts and poetry from Rumi and Shams
Comparative study of their philosophies and teachings
Examination of personal correspondence, if available
Rumi's transformation into a whirling dervish symbolized his spiritual awakening.
Increased emphasis on love and companionship in Rumi's poetry post-meeting.
Shift from clerical duties to mystical expression, showcasing emotional depth in his writings.

Abstract

Meeting of two unknown individuals, with an age difference of 23 years,born thousands of kilometers away at different places-one with theprecocity of a dreaming visionary, the other displaying practicalworldly wisdom; one a mendicant wanderer in quest of the formlessdivine and the other basking in the centripetal glory of a cleric anddynamics of knowledge-can hardly augur any substantial change ineither. While Shams of Tabriz and Rumi were poles apart in theirpersonae, they had a gnawing sense of incompleteness and anexcruciating craving for companionship. This paper seeks to highlight,post their meeting, the journey of transformation of Rumi from acommitted cleric and mesmerizing mawlana to a whirling dervish andsufi poet.

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