
The Mesnevi (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. A Six-Book Persian Sufi Epic of Mystical Teaching Stories, Divine Love, and the Soul's Return to GodBy Maulana Jalal al-Din RumiLength18h 41m
About this audiobook
The Mesnevi, often called the "Qur'an in Persian," is Jalal al-Din Rumi's vast spiritual epic: a six-book tapestry of parables, Qur'anic exegesis, folktale, satire, and lyrical meditation. Written in rhyming couplets, it transforms the didactic masnavi form into a vehicle for mystical psychology, tracing the soul's exile, longing, discipline, and eventual return to divine reality. Its literary power lies in sudden shifts of voice, earthy humor, symbolic storytelling, and a pedagogy that leads readers from outward narrative to inward illumination. Maulana Jalal al-Din Rumi (1207–1273), jurist, theologian, poet, and Sufi master, was shaped by displacement from Balkh, education in Islamic sciences, and the cosmopolitan spiritual culture of Konya. His encounter with Shams of Tabriz deepened his ecstatic vision of love as the supreme path to God. The Mesnevi reflects both his scholarly command of scripture and his lived experience as guide to disciples seeking transformation. This book is indispensable for readers of world literature, Islamic mysticism, comparative theology, and spiritual poetry. It rewards slow reading, inviting not merely interpretation but self-examination.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenrePoetry
Length18 hrs 41 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 9, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1The Mesnevi (Annotated)
21I. The Prince and the Handmaid.
2Introduction
22II. The Oilman and the Parrot.
3Synopsis
23III.
4Historical Context
24IV. Another Jewish King, Persecutor of Christians.
5Author Biography
25V. The Lion and the Beasts.
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6TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE.
26VI. The Greater (Spiritual) Warfare.
7SELECTED ANECDOTES
27VII. The Merchant and the Parrot.
8CHAPTER I.
28VIII. The Harper.
9CHAPTER II.
29IX. The Poor Scenite Arab and his Wife.
10CHAPTER III. (pt. 1)
30X. Patience and Perseverance under a Teacher.
11CHAPTER III. (pt. 2)
31XI. The Lion’s Hunt, in Company.
12CHAPTER IV.
32XII. Joseph and the Mirror.
13CHAPTER V.
33XIII. The Prophet’s First Amanuensis.
14CHAPTER VI.
34XIV. The Chinese and Roman Artists.
15CHAPTER VII.
35XV. Zeyd’s Inspiration.
16CHAPTER VIII.
36XVI. Ali’s Forbearance.
17CHAPTER IX.
37XVII. Conclusion.
18THE BOOK OF THE MESNEVĪ
38Analysis
19PREFACE.
39Reflection
20Proem. The Reed-Flute.
40Memorable Quotes