"Majalis-e Saba'" (The Seven Sessions) is one of the lesser-known yet spiritually rich works of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, the 13th-century Persian Sufi poet and mystic. This work is a collection of seven sermons delivered by Rumi to his followers, addressing core themes of Sufism and spirituality. Unlike his poetic masterpieces, such as the Masnavi-ye Ma’navi or Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi, Majalis-e Saba' is a prose-based work that captures Rumi's insights into faith, ethics, and the human connection with the Divine.

Historical Context

The sermons in Majalis-e Saba' were likely delivered during Rumi’s earlier years in Konya, before the mystical transformation he underwent through his encounter with Shams-e Tabrizi. These sessions were compiled by his disciples and reflect Rumi’s role not just as a poet and mystic but also as a religious scholar, preacher, and teacher. At this stage, his teachings were more rooted in traditional Islamic theology, though they still carried the seeds of his later, more universalist Sufi philosophy.

Structure and Themes

Each of the seven sessions focuses on a specific topic, blending Quranic verses, Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad), and stories to convey spiritual teachings. The sermons are structured as homilies, designed to guide the listener (or reader) toward a deeper understanding of God, the self, and the path to spiritual enlightenment.

Key themes in Majalis-e Saba' include:

1. The Unity of God (Tawhid): A central tenet of Rumi’s teachings, emphasizing the oneness of God and the interconnectedness of all creation.
2. Human Responsibility: The importance of ethical behavior, self-awareness, and accountability in one’s journey toward God.
3. Repentance and Divine Mercy: Rumi stresses the infinite mercy of God and the transformative power of sincere repentance.
4. The Role of Love: While less pronounced than in his later works, the concept of divine love begins to emerge in these sermons as a vital force in the seeker’s journey.
5. The Path of Submission (Islam): Rumi discusses the significance of surrendering to God’s will, reflecting his grounding in Islamic tradition.
6. Spiritual Practice and Devotion: The necessity of prayer, fasting, and other acts of worship in cultivating a closer relationship with God.
7. The Temporary Nature of the World: Rumi reminds his audience of the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of focusing on the eternal.

Language and Style

The language of Majalis-e Saba' is direct and didactic, aiming to educate and inspire. While it lacks the poetic flourish of Rumi’s later works, it carries his trademark use of metaphors, analogies, and storytelling to simplify complex spiritual ideas. Rumi frequently uses parables to make abstract concepts more relatable, a method that would later become a hallmark of his teaching style.

Significance in Rumi's Oeuvre

Majalis-e Saba' is an important text for understanding Rumi’s evolution as a thinker and spiritual leader. It bridges his role as a traditional Islamic scholar and his later transformation into a universalist mystic whose teachings transcended religious and cultural boundaries. This work highlights Rumi’s early focus on Islamic orthodoxy while hinting at the more profound mystical insights that would characterize his later writings.

For modern readers, Majalis-e Saba' offers a glimpse into the foundational elements of Rumi’s thought. It serves as a complement to his more famous works, providing context for the theological and ethical principles that underpin his poetic expressions of divine love and unity.

Legacy and Relevance

Though not as widely read or celebrated as Rumi’s poetic works, Majalis-e Saba' remains a valuable resource for scholars and spiritual seekers. It reflects the diversity of Rumi’s teachings and offers practical guidance for living a life of faith and devotion. Its timeless themes resonate across centuries, making it relevant for anyone exploring the intersection of religion, spirituality, and ethics.

By reading Majalis-e Saba', one can better understand the depth of Rumi’s spiritual journey—from a preacher rooted in Islamic theology to a mystic whose love for God and humanity became a beacon for seekers around the world.