The The Comparative Philosophy of Life of Jalal Al-Din Rumi and Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi: its roots and contemporary relevance

Celaleddin Rumi ve Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi'nin Karşılaştırmalı Hayat Felsefesi: temel ve çağdaş önemi

Abstract

In the history of Sufism, remarkable individuals have been whose spiritual journeys were marked by a large number of followers and moral statements, often bringing together numerous brotherhoods, which in some cases could be numbered in the dozens.

Rumi, the 13th-century Persian-language poet and mystic, continues to inspire and captivate people with his profound insights on love, spirituality, and self-discovery. His philosophy is infused with ideas of spiritual awakening and realizing our true nature. Rumi's message encourages seeking unity with the Divine and transcending the limitations of the ego.

The philosophy of Bakuvi (15th-century) is the path of a pure heart and a compassionate soul, with the final destination being the release from worldly burdens and reunion with the Creator. In other words, Bakuvi asserted that to overcome the bridge between the material and spiritual worlds, to comprehend faith and fully dissolve oneself in the Divine truth, the one who embarks on this journey must first purify their intentions to the most sincere and transfigured state. The most crucial sacrifice in self-discovery is letting go of what weighs down the soul.

As is well known, after the death of Bakuvi (Pir-i Sani), more than 60 branches of the Khalwatiyya order actively continued their work, practicing a dynamic form of Sufism. The Sufi order of Bakuvi was never used as a tool for personal gain. Instead, it maintained its focus on spiritual development and self-purification, emphasising its followers' moral and ethical obligations. The order's commitment to sincere devotion and pure intentions helped preserve its integrity and influence in the spiritual realm. Despite its expansive influence over the centuries, the Khalwatiyya order was never mentioned in history as having deviated from faith or causing religious, social, or political complications. Bakuvi had more than 20,000 murids (followers) at the height of his spiritual activity. In other words, despite the potential to seize political or social power, Bakuvi channeled his influence solely towards enlightenment and spiritual-divine enrichment. He focused on guiding people toward inner purity and connection with the Divine, avoiding the pursuit of worldly control or influence. Compared to other brotherhoods, another distinctive feature of the Khalwatiyya order was its emphasis on social action, a spirit of peacemaking, and the concept of merging spiritual practices with worldly knowledge. This new approach in Sufism stood out due to the effectiveness and modernity of its educational system, which allowed followers to develop and accumulate knowledge. This was considered an essential indicator for achieving the necessary level of personal realisation. The order's integration of intellectual and spiritual growth highlighted its progressive nature, ensuring its followers were spiritually enriched and well-rounded individuals capable of contributing to society. In this sense, the Khalwatiyya order, which proclaimed equality, freedom, justice, and altruism, can be seen as a genuinely reformist movement compared to other forms of classical Sufism. From this perspective, we can conclude that the teachings and philosophies of Bakuvi and Rumi did not just intersect but shared a standard foundation, roots, and motivation: self-discovery, harmony, and the purification of the soul, together with the pursuit of truth as the only path to true freedom. Both thinkers emphasised the importance of transcending the ego, aligning one's heart with divine love, and promoting moral and social justice as inherent elements of spiritual growth.

Keywords: Jalal al-Din Rumi, Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi, Khalwatiyya, Sufism, Islam, Tolerance, Philosophy