On ‘Radio Times’: 13th-century Persian poet Rumi

 Dervishes pray during a

Dervishes pray during a "Seb-i Arus" ceremony at Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul, Turkey, late Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007, to mark the 734th anniversary of the death of Sufi mystic poet Rumi or Mevlana. The 13th-century poet Mevlana Jalal al-Din al-Rumi, is considered to be the father of Sufism, the mystical form of Islam that preaches tolerance and love. "Seb-i Arus" means reunited with the beloved one. Mevlanas death, is considered in Sufism to be his reunion with God. (Associated Press)

Getting a welcome diversion from politics, Marty Moss-Coane talked about the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi on today’s Radio Times on WHYY-FM. 

Brad Gooch’s biography, Rumi’s Secret, traces the poet’s life and his works on love and faith, which are still popular today, turning up in marriage vows, greeting cards, and even shower curtains. 

Marty asked Gooch to read one of Rumi’s poems written near the end of the poet’s life

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Gooch went on to explain that “Rumi was almost eager and joyous about death, longing for death.”

Listen to Wednesday’s full hour of Radio Times.

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