The Moment of the First Meeting Between Shams Tabrizi and Rumi

The Beginning of a Divine UnionIn 13th-century Persia, a unique and mystical chapter in the history of spirituality was written—when two luminaries of Sufism, Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi and Shams-ud-Din Tabrizi, met face to face for the first time. This meeting took place in 1244 AD in the city of Konya in Anatolia (present-day Turkey). It was not merely a meeting of two individuals but a cosmic union of two souls that forever transformed Rumi’s life and his literary style.

Background of the Meeting

At that time, Jalaluddin Rumi was a respected religious teacher, a scholar of Islamic law, and a renowned orator. He was known as a leading figure in the scholarly community. On the other hand, Shams Tabrizi was a wandering Sufi who had spent his life in search of truth and spirituality as a “lover of Allah.” He was a philosopher, poet, and meditative ascetic with a Baul-like inclination, who spoke beyond external religious rituals about love, light, and self-realization.

The First Encounter

Shams Tabrizi came to Konya searching for Rumi. According to many historians and Sufi sources, through prayer, Shams asked Allah for a companion who could understand him and was guided in a dream to go to Konya. Upon arrival, Shams met Rumi for the first time—many say it was a “divine” or “predestined” meeting.

It is said that one day, Rumi was riding a horse when Shams blocked his way and asked him a question:

“Whom do you consider greater — Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) or Bayazid Bastami?”

At this question, silence fell around them. Rumi’s disciples were startled; some became angry or felt insulted. But Rumi remained calm and astonished. He said, “Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the best of all creation—no one can be compared to him!”

The dervish (Shams) laughed and replied,

“Then tell me why the Prophet said, ‘I did not know Allah as well as He needed me to know Him,’ and why does a prophet seek forgiveness seventy times daily? And why does Bayazid say, ‘How great is my honor? If the Prophet is greater, why does his voice have humility, while a dervish’s voice carries self-glory?’”

This question was a profound spiritual shock—normally impossible to answer—but through it, Shams ignited the spiritual fire inside Rumi. At that moment, Rumi realized this person was different; he possessed a vast ocean of knowledge that ordinary religious teachings could not provide.

The Significance of the Moment

This first meeting marked the beginning of Rumi’s spiritual transformation. Afterwards, they spent deep, meaningful time in each other’s company—day after day, month after month—sometimes in seclusion from the eyes of others, engaging in discussions, meditation, self-inquiry, and the practice of love. Shams transformed Rumi from a philosophical scholar into a “divine lover” poet.

The Impact of the Meeting

Suddenly, Rumi collapsed onto the ground! It is said he fainted! But in that unconscious state, he awakened to the light of a new soul. Because that dervish who had asked such questions—Shams Tabrizi—was the one they had both been searching for! This feeling later manifested in Rumi’s poetry:

“The one you seek is also seeking you! I have always been searching for you! Now that I have found you, what more could I ask for?”

Under Shams’ influence, Rumi composed his famous poetic works, especially the “Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi” (The Collected Poems of Shams of Tabriz), where he praises Shams not merely as a friend or teacher but as a mysterious manifestation of Allah or the ultimate expression of love.

Conclusion

The first meeting between Rumi and Shams was the beginning of a magnificent spiritual duet in history. This union created a stream of love and knowledge in world literature that continues to inspire readers, seekers, and lovers of all ages. Shams was the flame to Rumi’s lamp, and Rumi was the illuminated string of light.