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TRANS-NATIONALISM AND CIVILISATIONAL IDENTITY Rumi on Land, Language and Love

TRANS-NATIONALISM AND CIVILISATIONAL IDENTITY Rumi on Land, Language and Love

 Amir H. Zekrgoo1

Abstract:

In the twenty-first century, the eight-hundred-year-old teachings of a Muslim mystic-poet from West-Asia continues to inspire masses with the universal messages of liberty, love, and fraternity. Many of us can still read and enjoy Rumi’s appealing poems in the original Persian language without difficulty – a very rare accident in the arena of world literature! The transcendental meaning of ‘civilizational identity’ has an evident presence in Rumi’s poems, and his teachings are still relevant. This essay aims at presenting Rumi’s borderless mentality and inclusive approach, which is, in many instances, in contrast with the modern tendencies of fragmentation and exclusivism. The discussions begin with a short ‘Introduction’, followed by four main headings. ‘Civilisation, Imitation of Creation,’ provides a brief overview of the transformation of the meaning of ‘civilisation’ from the classical period to the modern times. It also emphasises on the less visible yet essential role of art and literature in the formation of civilisational identity. ‘Rise of Nationalism as Independent Identity’ touches upon the establishment of nation-states, followed by an elaboration of the positive and negative aspects of ‘Nationalism’ as a recent development in human history. ‘Trans-National Identity of Liberated Souls’ offers a bird’s-eye-view of Rumi’s life across various lands. It introduces Persianate culture as medium of connection of many nations, and showcases Rumi, through his writings, as a borderless, nationless, profound, inclusive, translucent, and love-oriented intellectual.

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