Imam Mujahid Ramadan’s Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue Radio Show aired its newest episode on November 6th. The topic was titled ‘Rumi and Mysticism in the 21st Century.’ As always, the show was aired on KCEP 88.1 FM and sponsored by Silver Sage Foundation.
This month’s esteemed guests were Reverend Gard Jameson (President of the Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada), Dr. Zeki Saritoprak (Professor and Director of the Bediuzzaman Said Nursi Chair in Islamic Studies at John Carroll University), and Ibrahim Anli (Executive Director at Rumi Forum).
The discussion began with Gardner’s remarks on Rumi’s importance as someone ‘who is beyond all faith.’ As he is the most read poem all around the world, his influence transcends the Islamic communities and compel everyone’s hearts. Gardner emphasized on the importance that Rumi tried to open a way to heal this damaged and broken word through unconditional love. He also remarked how Rumi could read the God’s language which is a ‘silence’ for our naked ears.
Saritoprak shared a striking fact that Rumi’s funeral was attended by the people of 7 different faiths. He was a man who managed to see ‘good in everything.’ He loved the creation due to its creator and was able to see love and unity in all beings.
Ramadan put forward an interesting coincidence that while we celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas in this late 2021, another celebration takes play among the followers of Rumi as they ‘celebrate’ his death. It is celebrated as he saw his own death as a ‘migration’ to the afterlife where you meet with the creator.
Anli contributed to the show with his extensive academic knowledge on Rumi as he gave the names of all his writings. He said that his magnum opus, ‘Mesnevi,’ can be described as a ‘Persian Quran’ as it translates the Holy book’s spirit and meaning into the Persian language beautifully. He also talked about the positive influences of Mysticism as it stripped people away from a politicized and legalized Islam to a restorated and pure one.
Unfortunately, the show ended abruptly due to the time limit given by the radio station. There were so much more to discuss and we hope that Ramadan will continue to deal with this subject in the upcoming months.
We would like to thank Imam Ramadan for yet another great discussion. Special thanks to Rev. Gard Jameson, Dr. Zeki Saritoprak, and Ibrahim Anli for their invaluable contributions. To get the latest updates on the future episodes, please follow our social media channels.
