Echoes of Enlightenment:
“Rumi’s Soul-Stirring Hajj Poem”
Rumi, one of the most influential Persian poets and mystics has left a profound impact on the world with his spiritual teachings. His poetry is filled with allegorical messages, guiding readers towards a deeper understanding of the self and the divine. In this article, we will explore the essence of Rumi’s poem about Hajj, verse by verse, deciphering its meaning and unraveling its spiritual significance.
“O people, who have gone for Hajj, where are you; where are you?
The Beloved is right here, come hither, come hither!
Rumi questions the conventional notion of pilgrimage. He urges people to look beyond physical journeys to find the Beloved. The essence of pilgrimage lies not in external places but in the inner realm. The true Beloved, representing the divine presence, is always accessible to us. Rumi calls upon individuals to recognize this truth and embrace it.
Your Beloved is your neighbor, wall to wall,
Wandering in the desert, what longings pervade your thoughts?
The Beloved is not distant or unattainable. The divine resides within and around us, symbolized by the neighbor who shares the same wall. By focusing on external pursuits and wandering aimlessly, we overlook the divine presence that surrounds us. Rumi questions the purpose of such pursuits if they distract us from recognizing the divine essence within ourselves and in the world.
If you see the faceless face of the Beloved
You are the master, the house, and the Kaaba too.
Rumi introduces the idea of perceiving the formless Beloved, representing the transcendent nature of the divine. When we can see beyond the limitations of form and recognize the essence that connects everything, we become the master, the house, and the Kaaba (the sacred sanctuary in Mecca). This suggests that true spirituality lies in realizing our own divine nature and recognizing the sacredness within ourselves.
Many times you have journeyed from this summit to that house,
Once from that house, come up to this summit
Rumi emphasizes the need for a shift in perspective. We often find ourselves seeking external experiences and spiritual knowledge, moving from one path to another. However, the true shift happens when we move from the limited perspective of the house (the individual self) to the expansive vantage point of the rooftop/summit (the higher consciousness). This verse encourages us to rise above the confines of our ego and embrace a broader perspective.
That house is exquisite, have you spoken about its signs
Or shown us a sign from the master of the house
Here is an invitation to explore the beauty and signs of the divine dwelling within us. The house, representing our inner being, holds immense beauty and wisdom. He challenges us to reflect upon and share the signs of this divine presence, enabling others to recognize the same within themselves. By embodying the qualities of the divine, we become living signs of the house and inspire others to seek their own inner truth. He also challenges those who have gone for pilgrimage to show a sign of having seen the beloved, if they have really seen the master of the house
If you have seen the garden, where is a bunch flowers?
If you possess the essence of soul, where is it from God’s ocean?
Rumi employs metaphors to highlight the interconnectedness between the individual and the divine. A bunch of flowers signifies an experience of beauty, while the garden represents the source of that beauty. Similarly, the essence of soul/ a precious gem holds value, but its origin lies in the vast ocean of God’s creation. Rumi challenges us to reflect on the origin and essence of the experiences and possessions we cherish, reminding us that everything is ultimately connected to the divine source. He also negates the experience of pilgrimage if it has not brought a transformation in the pilgrim, because then the pilgrim has not really seen the garden or been able to bring anything back with him such as a bunch flowers.
Despite all this, may that suffering turn into your treasure,
Alas, you are a veil upon your own treasure.”
In this verse, the concept of suffering as a means of spiritual growth is explored. He suggests that our struggles and challenges to go for this external journey may hold great value, serving as a catalyst for transformation and self-discovery. However, he also laments that we often become veiled from recognizing the treasure within us. Our preoccupation with external pursuits, desires, and attachments blinds us to the richness of our own inner being.
Rumi’s poem serves as a profound reminder of the spiritual journey we are all called to undertake. It challenges conventional notions of seeking the divine externally and redirects our focus to the inherent divinity within ourselves. By recognizing the Beloved as our neighbor and embracing a shift in perspective, we can uncover the beauty and wisdom of our inner house. Rumi’s words resonate across time, inspiring us to awaken to the truth that the ultimate pilgrimage lies within, where the Beloved patiently awaits our arrival.
Happy Eid to all those celebrating.