Rumi and Religious Pluralism
A message of unity in a fragmented world
Religious pluralism is the recognition and acceptance of the coexistence of different religious beliefs, practices, and interpretations within a society or on a global scale. The basis of religious pluralism can vary depending on different philosophical, religious, and ethical perspectives. Here are a few common bases for religious pluralism:
Respect for Individual Autonomy: Religious pluralism often stems from a belief in individual autonomy and the right of individuals to choose and practice their own religious beliefs. It recognizes that diverse individuals have different paths to truth and spirituality, and that no single religious tradition holds a monopoly on truth or salvation.
Religious and Cultural Diversity: Pluralism arises from the acknowledgement of the inherent diversity of human cultures and religious traditions. It recognizes that different cultures and societies have developed distinct religious beliefs and practices over time, reflecting unique historical, social, and cultural contexts.
Interconnectedness and Interdependence: Some proponents of religious pluralism argue that all religious traditions share common values and ethical principles, and that they can coexist and learn from one another. They emphasize the interconnectedness and interdependence of different religious traditions in promoting peace, justice, compassion, and human flourishing.
Philosophical and Theological Approaches: Pluralism can be supported by philosophical and theological perspectives that emphasize the limitations of human knowledge and the complexity of religious truth. They argue that no single religion can fully encapsulate the divine reality, and that religious diversity is a reflection of the multifaceted nature of the divine.
Historical and Societal Realities: In pluralistic societies, religious diversity is often a historical and societal reality. Pluralism can be seen as a pragmatic response to the presence of diverse religious communities, seeking to foster peaceful coexistence, respect, and dialogue among different faith traditions.
It is important to note that religious pluralism does not require individuals to abandon or dilute their own religious convictions. Instead, it encourages mutual respect, understanding, and dialogue among diverse religious communities, while upholding the principles of religious freedom, equality, and human rights.
Different scholars, religious leaders, and philosophers have presented varying justifications and foundations for religious pluralism. The basis of religious pluralism can also differ based on the cultural, religious, and philosophical contexts in which it is discussed.
Rumi’s views on religious pluralism can be understood through his mystical and inclusive approach to spirituality. While Rumi himself was a devout Muslim and his poetry reflects his Islamic faith, his teachings often emphasize the underlying unity and interconnectedness of all religions and spiritual paths. Rumi believed in the universality of the divine message and saw the various religious traditions as different paths leading to the same ultimate truth.
Rumi’s poetry often includes references to figures and teachings from diverse religious traditions, such as Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism, alongside Islamic references. He celebrated the mystical experiences and spiritual insights shared by people of different faiths, suggesting that the essence of spiritual truth transcends the boundaries of religious labels and rituals.
For Rumi, the path to God was not limited to a specific religious affiliation, but rather a journey of love and devotion that could be pursued by individuals from all backgrounds. He emphasized the importance of love, compassion, and inner transformation as the keys to spiritual awakening and unity with the Divine.
In one of his famous quotes, Rumi said, “Christian, Jew, Muslim, shaman, Zoroastrian, stone, ground, mountain, river, each has a secret way of being with the mystery, unique and not to be judged.” This quote encapsulates his perspective on religious pluralism, suggesting that the diversity of religious traditions should be respected and recognized as different expressions of the same underlying truth.
Rumi’s mystical teachings and his embrace of the universality of love and spirituality have resonated with individuals from various religious backgrounds, making him an influential figure in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. His poetry continues to inspire people to seek unity, love, and spiritual growth beyond the confines of religious divisions.
Here is a translated poem by Jalaluddin Rumi, that touches upon the concept of freedom in Islam:
“Come, come, whoever you are,
Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving,
Ours is not a caravan of despair.
Even if you have broken your vows a thousand times,
Come, come again, come.”
This poem by Rumi highlights the inclusivity and openness of Islam. It conveys the message that no matter who you are, whatever your past may be, and irrespective of your mistakes, there is always room for renewal, growth, and spiritual freedom within the Islamic tradition. It speaks to the idea that Islam offers a path of hope and forgiveness, welcoming individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and connection with the Divine, regardless of their past shortcomings.
Rumi’s poetry often explores themes of love, spirituality, and the search for inner freedom. While this particular poem does not explicitly mention freedom in the context of Islamic teachings, it reflects the broader spiritual freedom and liberation that Islam can offer to individuals who seek to reconnect with their true selves and the Divine presence.
There are many examples that can be found in Rumi’s poetry, which indicate his beliefs on religious pluralism. We analyze some of them here:-
“Not Christian or Jew or Muslim, not Hindu,
Buddhist, Sufi, or Zen. Not any religion
or cultural system. I am not from the East
or the West, not out of the ocean or up
from the ground, not natural or ethereal,
not composed of elements at all. I do not exist,
am not an entity in this world or the next,
did not descend from Adam and Eve or any
origin story. My place is the placeless, a trace
of the traceless. Neither body or soul.
I belong to the beloved, have seen the two
worlds as one and that one call to and know,
first, last, outer, inner, only that
breath breathing human being.”
In this poem, Rumi expresses the transcendence of religious labels and identities. He highlights that his true essence is not bound by any specific religion or cultural system but rather exists beyond the limitations of religious distinctions.
Here is another beautiful idea from Rumi about pluralism and diversity.
“The lamps are different,
but the Light is the same:
it comes from Beyond.”
This line reflects Rumi’s belief in the common source of divine illumination that shines through different religious traditions. While the external forms and rituals may vary, the essence of the divine light remains constant and unifying.
“Not only the thirsty seek the water,
the water as well seeks the thirsty.”
This verse emphasizes that the divine presence and spiritual nourishment are not exclusive to one religious group. Just as the thirsty seek water, the divine truth seeks those who are receptive and longing for spiritual fulfillment, regardless of their religious affiliation.
“I go to the mosque, and the synagogue, and the church,
and I see one altar and one light, one life and one breath.”
Rumi portrays the unity and interconnectedness of religious spaces by perceiving them as manifestations of a shared spiritual reality. He sees a fundamental unity underlying the various places of worship, recognizing that they all lead to the same divine truth.
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
there is a field. I’ll meet you there.
When the soul lies down in that grass,
the world is too full to talk about.
Ideas, language, even the phrase ‘each other’
doesn’t make any sense.”
In this famous verse, Rumi invites individuals to move beyond the limitations of moral judgments and conceptual divisions. He suggests that in the realm of spiritual experience, where the soul connects with the divine, the distinctions between right and wrong, and the divisions between different religions, become irrelevant. The ultimate meeting point lies beyond such ideas and linguistic constructs.
These examples amply illustrate Rumi’s inclination towards religious pluralism, emphasizing the unity of all religions and the shared pursuit of spiritual truth.