Jalal ad-Din Rumi: Between Sufism and Scholastic Theology

Author: Inayatullah Iblagh Al-Afghani

Here is a summary of the main themes and objectives of this book:
1. Introduction to Jalal ad-Din Rumi
The book does not merely narrate Rumi's biography as a poet but delves into his academic upbringing and how he transformed from a jurist and religious scholar into a Sufi with a profound spiritual experience after meeting Shams Tabrizi.
2. Conflict and Reconciliation (Between Sufism and Scholastic Theology)
The main focus of the book is the comparison and connection between:
Scholastic theologians: who rely on reason, logic, and demonstrative proofs to arrive at religious truths.
Sufis: who rely on "taste" (dhawq), unveiling (kashf), and spiritual striving (mujahada).
The author explains how Rumi managed to combine these two paths, as Rumi believed that reason has limits it cannot transcend, and that "love of God" is the driving force that leads humans to what dry logic cannot achieve.
3. Addressing Doctrinal Issues
The book discusses how Rumi addressed major issues in Islamic doctrine (such as determinism and free will, the vision of God, and the attributes of the Divine Essence) in "The Masnavi," but with a symbolic and narrative style that differs from the traditional polemical approach of scholastic theologians.
4. Critique of "Pure Rationalism"
The book explains Rumi's perspective in criticizing philosophers and theologians whose "legs were wooden" (as Rumi described them), meaning their logic was rigid but lacked the flexibility of spirit and the warmth of heartfelt faith.
5. Objective of the Book
The author aims to clear Rumi from accusations that some extremists or rationalists might level against him, and to prove that his Sufism was disciplined by the spirit of Islamic law, but that he sought to present "a living faith" that transcends mere rigid terms and definitions.