Rumi's Book of Poetry: 100 Inspirational Poems on Love, Life, and Meditation

An enchanting poet, an insightful scholar, and a noted jurist, Rumi is a historical figure whose work has persisted over centuries. The universal nature of his writing has managed to transcend national and cultural boundaries and his poems have been cemented in the curricula and imaginations of people around the world.

Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, more commonly known as Rumi, was born in 1207. The exact date of his birth is unknown, and the suspected date varies depending on the historian. Scholars have had better luck narrowing down his place of birth. Rumi was either born in Wakhsh, which was located in present-day Tajikistan or in Balkh, present day Afghanistan.

His father was a theologian and a jurist, a man whose work would arguably impact the course of young Rumi's life. It is difficult to separate the man from the myth when outlining Rumi's family background. There are claims that Rumi's family was descended from the Caliph Abu Bakr, one of the Prophet Muhammad's trusted advisors. Historians have largely classified this a myth along with other claims that tie the family's lineage to royalty.