Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
RELIGIONS, cilt.14, sa.10, 2023 (AHCI)
This paper examines the nature of "asceticism" (riyadat) in Sufism, revolving around the works of the 13th century Persian Sufi Mawlana Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi Balki and exploring two critical inquiries: Firstly, it seeks to determine whether Rumi's mystical perspective on asceticism is world-rejecting or world-affirming. Secondly, it investigates potential parallels and divergences between Rumi and Meister Eckhart's stances-specifically, through the Dominican's Sermons and Treatises-and assesses the implications for the two figures. In examining Rumi's works, the current research primarily relies on secondary sources within the Persian intellectual tradition to provide an intracultural context. Utilizing horizontal and vertical interpretations, this study examines critical themes in Rumi's works, such as love, detachment (zuhd), the world's deceptive nature, and seclusion. The findings reveal that Rumi's asceticism is not "monastic" (ruhbani); instead, it balances moderate abstinence and worldly engagement, underpinned by the Quran and the hadith teachings. Rumi and Eckhart underscore asceticism as an inner transformation rather than mere physical austerity, emphasizing inner purification, self-transcendence, and spiritual detachment as routes to divine unity. The two thinkers' teachings are catalysts for profound personal transformation and a more fulfilling life in today's world.