"Die before you die" : death in Rumi`s Mathnawi

Abstract

This study is about death in Mawlana Jalal ad-din Rumi's magnum opus, Mathnawi. The work concentrates on discussing death in a positive light as emphasized in Islam. This thesis touches on a notion quite common in Islamic mysticism, that one can die a spiritual death while still physically alive. The inevitability and certitude of death has always captured man's imagination. In Islam, and especially in early ?ufi literature, interesting discussions on the 'idea of dying' have taken place with profound insight and understanding. The preoccupation with death is so deep that talk of death is not just of a physical death, but also of a transformation that gives 'real life' and supports 'real living'. In this study, death was studied in Mathnawi by first looking at this concept in Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Buddhism and in the Abrahamic faith (Judaism, Christianity and Islam). The positive outlook of death in the Qur'an and Sunnah were also analyzed. This gives room to examine the positions of sufis and their thoughts on the idea of dying. Two major divisions were identified in Rumi's concept of death, the physical death and the spiritual death. The Physical death is related to 'body' and 'earth' while the spiritual death can be found in his thoughts on the self. The approach used by Mawlana Rumi in elaborating his thoughts on death has been covered. The thesis shows that by understanding Rumi's approach to death, one can emerge stronger and be better equipped in his determination to arrive at a higher spiritual state. Also, Mathnawi of Jalal ad-din Rumi through the theme of 'die before you die' shows clearly the asceticism, simplicity and self-discipline preached by Islam.