During this time of the year I am reminded of one special soul named Dr. Ibrahim Gamard, the co-translator of 'The Quatrains of Rumi'. I had written to him a year ago asking about his amazing experiences being so immersed with the teachings of Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi. I asked him what could we tell the younger generation about Rumi's teachings.
He quoted a story about a close disciple of Rumi who wanted to change his school of law (mahzab) to Hanafi. Rumi disapproved this intention and asked the student to keep to his mahzab 'but follow my sufi path and guide people to my way of love.'
He quoted a story about a close disciple of Rumi who wanted to change his school of law (mahzab) to Hanafi. Rumi disapproved this intention and asked the student to keep to his mahzab 'but follow my sufi path and guide people to my way of love.'
Interpreting this story and applying it to the younger generation, Dr. Gamard said, Rumi teaches people to follow the religion of Islam, while at the same time following the sufi path of practising selfless virtues and love of God and love towards all of God's creation.
Dr. Ibrahim Gamard has been frequenting Mawlana Rumi's tomb for 33 years and each time he visits he would be engulfed by an extraordinary experience. He would become drunk with a spiritual potion he called 'the perfume of love'.
He who frequents the perfumery of love
a thousand times maybe
visiting the Saint of Scent
Jalaluddin Rumi
father of the top notes
of love aroma
the essence of fragrance
enchanted many.
# Read Lisan al-Din post on Dr. Ibrahim Gamard here
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