Mawlawi Tariqah
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: طريـقة الـمولـويّة (Tariqat al-Mawlawiyyah)
- Turkish: Mevlevî Tarikâtı
Introduction
The Mawlawi Tariqah, also known as the Mevlevi Order in Turkish, is a prominent Sufi order renowned for the unique spiritual practice it employs, notably the Whirling Dervishes. This particular meditative dance, known as Sama (Arabic: سَماع), involves whirling in graceful movements to achieve a state of spiritual ecstasy, striving for a closer connection with the divine. The order was established by the descendants of the eminent Persian poet and mystic Jalal al-Din Rumi (d. 1273), who is a significant figure in both Islamic mysticism and world literature.
Historical Background
Foundation
The Mawlawi Tariqah was formally instituted by Rumi’s followers and descendants shortly after his death. This Sufi order emerged from Konya, in modern-day Turkey, which was Rumi’s home and where his tomb became a pilgrimage site. The order played a crucial role in spreading Rumi’s mystical and poetic traditions.
Development
Over centuries, the Tariqah developed organizationally and ritually, maintaining Rumi’s teachings. The Maqam (spiritual station) of the Mawlawi centers on:
- Initiatory Training: The disciples undergo rigorous and prolonged orientation, preparing themselves spiritually and mentally for their journey within the order.
- Khalwah (خلوة): This aspect includes isolated meditation/retreats where practitioners focus on introspection and prayer.
- Sama Ritual: Entailing music, poetry recitations, chants, and a captivating whirling dance routine, Sama serves as a conduit to divine love and communal spiritual experience.
Philosophical and Theological Foundations
Rumi’s Influence
Rumi’s poetry and philosophical reflections underscore the Mawlawi Tariqah’s teachings. His works, particularly the Masnavi (مَثنوي), are revered as spiritual texts promoting concepts of divine love (ishq), union with God, and annihilation of the ego (fana).
Key Concepts
The foundation principles of the Mawlawi order revolve around Love, Unity, Service, and Self-awareness. The Sufi practices are designed to facilitate the purification of the soul, enlightenment, and eventual merging with the divine will.
Contemporary Relevance
Though the Mawlawi was historically significant across the Ottoman Empire, contemporary interest remains strong, both in Turkey and globally. The Sama performances are source of spiritual ——- inspiration and a cultural spectacle, attracting many towards understanding the depth of Sufistic Islam.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Rumi: The Masnavi, Book One” by Jalal al-Din Rumi, translated by Jawid Mojaddedi
- “The Mevlevi Order and Sufism: An Ottoman Case Study in Virtue Ethics” by Francesco Chiabotti
- “Rumi’s Mystical Design: Reading the Mathnawi, Book One” by Seyed Ghahreman Safavi and Simon Weightman
- “Islamic Mysticism and Abu Talib Al-Makki: The Role of the Heart” by Saeko Yazaki
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Mawlawi Tariqah, READ The posted responsibly known as inuu velüt’ dast niqué * ==wh involve rigorous spiritual exercises focusing on emotional, spiritual and physical components, aiming for personal transformation and deeper religious experience. The order’s meditative whirling dance, Sama, symbolizes the soul’s journey towards divine love and unity.
In summary, the Mawlawi Tariqah epitomizes the integration of mystical traditions within Islamic practice, blending poetry, music and dance into significant methods of spiritual expression.
The Mawlawi places great emphasis on mystical poetry and motion, posited as channels for deeper communion with Islam. The practical and metaphorical significance ensures this Sufi order’s resilience and perpetuity, augmenting the charisma of Rumi’s teachings well into contemporary spiritual parlance.
