Times Leading Sufi Sadr al-Dīn Qūnawī Led Rumī’s Funeral Prayer.

By: Baraka Blue, a Poet, Musician as well as Teacher.

Though not as popular as Rumī’s tomb, the tomb and mosque of Sadr al-Dīn Qūnawī, the 13th century Sufi sage, attracts far fewer visitors. But situated in Konya, his holy shrine is considered one of the most blessed places in the area.

Qūnawī played a crucial role in shaping Islamic philosophy and Sufism, particularly the Akhbarian tradition. He was not only the step-son but also the chief disciple of Ibn ‘Arabī, and his efforts to systematize and summarize his step-father’s works had a profound impact on these fields.

He was a contemporary of Rumī and even led Rumī’s funeral prayer. He lost consciousness before finishing the prayer due to the intense experience of light and presence while praying over Rumī’s body. Despite having a significant influence in the East, he remains virtually unknown in the West.

According to William Chittick, Sadr al-Dīn Qūnawī (d. 673/1273-74), who is often considered as Ibn ‘Arabī’s most important disciple and the primary intermediary through whom his school gained influence, remains virtually unknown and unstudied in the West, as stated in the quote, “Although usually recognized by specialists as Ibn ‘Arabī’s most important disciple and the primary intermediary through whom his school gained influence, Sadr al-Dīn Qūnawī (d.673/1273–74) is still virtually unknown and unstudied in the West.”

He possesses a wealth of wisdom and insight. Here’s a glimpse of his poetic talent:

The road to union is not what we imagined;

The world of the soul is not as we thought.

The source from which Khidr drank the water of life

Is in our own home, but we have buried it. 

An nîst rah-e vasl ke angâshte-îm vân nîst jâhân-e jân ke pandâshte-îm ân chesme ke Khezr khorde z-ou âb-e hayât dar khâne-ye mâst lîk anbâshte-îm.

This September at @rumicenterarts Rumi Retreat we will have the opportunity to visit his resting place, to reflect on his life, and inshaAllah to unearth some of his gems of wisdom on the road to union.

.

.

---

---

---

---

Its Your Website.
Publish your own works.
Share with others.

---

---