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SUNY Series in Islam
The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of Rumi
This is the most accessible work in English on the greatest mystical poet of Islam, providing a survey of the basic Sufi and Islamic doctrines concerning God and the world, the role of man in the cosmos, the need for religion, man's ultimate becoming, the states and stations of the mystical ascent to God, and the means whereby literature employs symbols to express "unseen" realities. William Chittick translates into English for the first time certain aspects of Rumi's work. He selects and rearranges Rumi's poetry and prose in order to leave aside unnecessary complications characteristic of other English translations and to present Rumi's ideas in an orderly fashion, yet in his own words . Thorough, nontechnical introductions to each chapter, and selections that gradually present a greater variety of terms and images, make this work easily accessible to those interested in the spirituality of any tradition.
"I consider this work to be of great importance in the field of Islamics in particular and of the humanities in general. It is superbly conceived and guides the reader through the theory, practice, and mystical realization of Rumi's thinking...I can think of no better way for a Westerner, and nowadays for a Westernized Muslim, to get to know the deeper aspects of the Islamic faith than through a work such as this. As far as I am aware of, it is the first work of its kind, providing the reader with a complete exposition of Rumi's fundamental notions through Rumi's own words. No one else has done this with the thoroughness and meticulousness shown by Chittick." -- Victor Danner, Indiana University.
"I consider this work to be of great importance in the field of Islamics in particular and of the humanities in general. It is superbly conceived and guides the reader through the theory, practice, and mystical realization of Rumi's thinking...I can think of no better way for a Westerner, and nowadays for a Westernized Muslim, to get to know the deeper aspects of the Islamic faith than through a work such as this. As far as I am aware of, it is the first work of its kind, providing the reader with a complete exposition of Rumi's fundamental notions through Rumi's own words. No one else has done this with the thoroughness and meticulousness shown by Chittick." -- Victor Danner, Indiana University.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
90 people are currently reading
2331 people want to read
About the author
William C. Chittick
50 books312 followersis a philosopher, writer, translator and interpreter of classical Islamic philosophical and mystical texts. He is best known for his work on Rumi and Ibn 'Arabi, and has written extensively on the school of Ibn 'Arabi, Islamic philosophy, and Islamic cosmology.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 15, 2025
Past often appropriated quotes from Rumi, it was this book along with the Mathanawi that truly introduced me to Rumi a few years ago. A spiritual mentor had taken me through part of the Mathnawi, plus the writings of Chittick, which in turn opened me to the teachings of Ibn Al-Arabi, and the foundation of my view of Islam comes from that background.
I remember this mentor instructing me in the Islamic view of the transcendent God, which is always bigger than we can imagine but at the same time closer than we can imagine. Rumi, Ibn Al-Arabi and other Sufis use the Attributes of God to gain a vision, then immediately discard that vision as being Real/not real in the formula of the Shahadah itself: God/not-god. Coming from a Christian background, this most struck me in the conception of “God is Love”. It is true that God is Love, and God encompasses all of love yet God is also beyond Love. Once we try to “box God in”, the concept eludes us and Sufis will tell us that any firm conception of God can border on idolatry if dogmatically insisted upon. This in itself is a beautiful commentary on the universality of Islam, and the vast room there is in the faith for inclusion. Yet it also comments on the danger of making any statement at all on the Divine. Throughout Rumi, there is the constant play on duality: “Things become manifest through their opposites. But since God has no opposite, He remains hidden.” (49)
There are several key outlines which Chittick uses to present Rumi in this work, the majority of which is a translation of Rumi’s own words, set up by Chittick’s background commentary. First is Rumi’s division of Sufism or the path in general, which Chittick defines as:
1. Proper knowledge or Theory
2. Proper works or practice
3. Attainment to God or spiritual psychology
Chittick sees Rumi’s hierarchy of the spirit as follows:
1. Animal
2. Human
3. Angelic
4. Muhammaden or Universal Man – Sainthood
Through all of this, it is important to remember the interplay between form (surat) and meaning (ma’na). Everything we can comprehend is a manifestation of the divine, but is necessarily form, and therefore is not divine at the same time. Meaning is beyond form, but must assume a form to be conceptualized/understood. This is analogous to annihilation/subsistence in Sufi teaching. To truly “know” God, we must eliminate all remnants of our own self. Anything less than that leaves an element of form, which is not God, and not full actualization. “Come without analogy! Then you will hear words without analogy. After all, you are an analogy of yourself; you are not this. Your bodily person is your shadow.” (276)
“That Oneness is on the other side of descriptions and states. Nothing but duality enters speech’s playing field.” (275) Rumi has functioned as the most acceptable saint of Islam in the West through “speaking” in this language of nondualism. But in the end, Islam, like any genuine spiritual path, serves only to lead us to the attainment of ultimate truth. It is the Essence which is the goal of the Sufi. The path only functions as a means to that end.
I remember this mentor instructing me in the Islamic view of the transcendent God, which is always bigger than we can imagine but at the same time closer than we can imagine. Rumi, Ibn Al-Arabi and other Sufis use the Attributes of God to gain a vision, then immediately discard that vision as being Real/not real in the formula of the Shahadah itself: God/not-god. Coming from a Christian background, this most struck me in the conception of “God is Love”. It is true that God is Love, and God encompasses all of love yet God is also beyond Love. Once we try to “box God in”, the concept eludes us and Sufis will tell us that any firm conception of God can border on idolatry if dogmatically insisted upon. This in itself is a beautiful commentary on the universality of Islam, and the vast room there is in the faith for inclusion. Yet it also comments on the danger of making any statement at all on the Divine. Throughout Rumi, there is the constant play on duality: “Things become manifest through their opposites. But since God has no opposite, He remains hidden.” (49)
There are several key outlines which Chittick uses to present Rumi in this work, the majority of which is a translation of Rumi’s own words, set up by Chittick’s background commentary. First is Rumi’s division of Sufism or the path in general, which Chittick defines as:
1. Proper knowledge or Theory
2. Proper works or practice
3. Attainment to God or spiritual psychology
Chittick sees Rumi’s hierarchy of the spirit as follows:
1. Animal
2. Human
3. Angelic
4. Muhammaden or Universal Man – Sainthood
Through all of this, it is important to remember the interplay between form (surat) and meaning (ma’na). Everything we can comprehend is a manifestation of the divine, but is necessarily form, and therefore is not divine at the same time. Meaning is beyond form, but must assume a form to be conceptualized/understood. This is analogous to annihilation/subsistence in Sufi teaching. To truly “know” God, we must eliminate all remnants of our own self. Anything less than that leaves an element of form, which is not God, and not full actualization. “Come without analogy! Then you will hear words without analogy. After all, you are an analogy of yourself; you are not this. Your bodily person is your shadow.” (276)
“That Oneness is on the other side of descriptions and states. Nothing but duality enters speech’s playing field.” (275) Rumi has functioned as the most acceptable saint of Islam in the West through “speaking” in this language of nondualism. But in the end, Islam, like any genuine spiritual path, serves only to lead us to the attainment of ultimate truth. It is the Essence which is the goal of the Sufi. The path only functions as a means to that end.
February 28, 2017
I had wanted to read a book on Rumi's poetry for quite some time, and our modern 'paradox of choice' did not help me choose one considering the abundance of Rumi books available out there. I finally chose this one and I couldn't be more satisfied. I recommend it to everyone who wants to read and understand Rumi's poetry, which can sometimes be misinterpreted. Here you will receive more than enough well-translated ghazals that are broken down thematically and accompanied by nicely-written commentaries by the author.
"The water in the stream has changed many times, but the reflection of the moon and the stars remains the same"
"Why should it be surprising that the spirit does not remember its previous abodes? For this world, like a dream, covers over all things, as clouds veil the stars"
"You came late and left early - coming late and leaving early is the work of flowers"
"Bounty for the body makes you unripe, but the body's affliction matures you. Until you undergo the affliction of religion, you will not win the good fortune of faith"
"What is love? Perfect thirst. So let me explain the Water of Life."
"Do not listen to tales of Love's heartache from a rational man, for he has cold lips and chin"
"When someone beats a rug with a stick, he is not beating the rug - his aim is to get rid of the dust. Your inward is full of dust from the veil of I-ness, and that dust will not leave all at once"
"I wonder at that seeker of purity who flees cruelty at the time of polishing"
"Since it is hard for you to be separated from the painting, think what it will be to be parted of the Painter!"
"The water in the stream has changed many times, but the reflection of the moon and the stars remains the same"
"Why should it be surprising that the spirit does not remember its previous abodes? For this world, like a dream, covers over all things, as clouds veil the stars"
"You came late and left early - coming late and leaving early is the work of flowers"
"Bounty for the body makes you unripe, but the body's affliction matures you. Until you undergo the affliction of religion, you will not win the good fortune of faith"
"What is love? Perfect thirst. So let me explain the Water of Life."
"Do not listen to tales of Love's heartache from a rational man, for he has cold lips and chin"
"When someone beats a rug with a stick, he is not beating the rug - his aim is to get rid of the dust. Your inward is full of dust from the veil of I-ness, and that dust will not leave all at once"
"I wonder at that seeker of purity who flees cruelty at the time of polishing"
"Since it is hard for you to be separated from the painting, think what it will be to be parted of the Painter!"
September 19, 2015
What a great book!it holds answers to sooo many questions that always run through my mind. It was really a moving spiritual journey to read through Rumi's words .not to forget the way these words were presented by William C. Chittick.I would definitely recommend it .
August 8, 2012
inspiring read. i will keep this book and these teachings with me.
June 1, 2021
This is the best book on Rumi's poetry that actually shows you the meaning and application behind the words of this great Sufi poet. If anyone of you are serious about understanding Sufism, I highly recommend picking this up. It can seem a bit dense at first glance, but it has answered so many questions.
July 18, 2013
Beautiful book. Not enough people know of the tradition of loving devotion in Islam--we all need to spend some time with Rumi from time to time to remind us of what is important.
Read
December 7, 2023read for rumi and a way of love class. interesting to get a better understanding of sufism + rumi
May 1, 2009
An array of beautiful translations from the Divan-i Shams
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April 4, 2012Excellent, most beautiful. Not only does it give you a taste of Rumi's writings but also an understanding of his philosophy. Perfect book for a beginner in Sufism, Rumi & Islam
April 14, 2024
A great introduction to Rumi. Chittick explores the life of the poet and the various themes that appear in Rumi’s poetry and writing, contextualizing them within Rumi’s religious philosophy. Most of the text is passages from the primary source material to further articulate Chittick’s explanations. If you have read Rumi through a lense devoid of the Sufi elements I would definitely recommend checking this out as it will more accurately explain Rumi’s ideology outside of a very Westernized view of love and religion.
One major downside of this text is that the primary source passages are removed from their original context. Sometimes this means the passages are, at least partially, unclear and other times, when taken in addition to the other issues of translation, it raises some questions as to Chittick’s interpretation. The ambiguity of pronouns in the Persian language adds to this opacity. Chittick’s choice to capitalize certain words, to indicate they are identifying God (according to his understanding) is also worth noting.
I recommend for anyone who wants an intro to Rumi from an expert on the subject. If you are looking for more direct translations of his complete poetry this would not be ideal.
One major downside of this text is that the primary source passages are removed from their original context. Sometimes this means the passages are, at least partially, unclear and other times, when taken in addition to the other issues of translation, it raises some questions as to Chittick’s interpretation. The ambiguity of pronouns in the Persian language adds to this opacity. Chittick’s choice to capitalize certain words, to indicate they are identifying God (according to his understanding) is also worth noting.
I recommend for anyone who wants an intro to Rumi from an expert on the subject. If you are looking for more direct translations of his complete poetry this would not be ideal.
August 16, 2023
I read this to get a general picture of Sufism, and that I got: the gnostic side of Islam told in analogy and poetry and direct experience. While I appreciated the parallels between Sufism and Buddhism's Heart Sutra, I didn't care so much for the sexism. I also liked the beautiful poetry and some unexpectedly funny analogies (like comparing unbelievers to turnips next to Satan's salad). More than anything, this book convinced me that the Western yen for Rumi all too often takes his poetry too literally.
May 23, 2020
We are all familiar with the beautiful Rumi's poems. However, in "The Sufi Path of Love" we will find a new depth and not so familiar writings of Rumi. "The Sufi Path of Love" is a Spiritual Teaching and the philosophy of Rumi. When for a first time I came across of the Russian translation of this beautiful book in 1995, it's amazing philosophy created the most profound impact on my understanding of Reality and my relationship with God. The seven's paragraph called "I am God" of the chapter "Naughting the Self" impressed me the most.
"With God, two I's cannot find room, says Rumi. You say "I" and He says "I". Either you die before Him or let Him die before you; then duality will not remain. But it is impossible for Him to die, either subjectively or objectively, since He is the "Living God, The Undying". He possesses such Gentelness that were it possible, He would die for you so that duality may vanish. But since it is impossible for Him to die, you die, so that He may manifest Himself to you and duality may vanish. When Hallaj's love for God reached the utmost limit, he became his own enemy and naughted himself. He said, "I am God," that is "I have been annihilated; God remains, nothing else."
This striking realization "I am God" is the mini enlightenment and the most profound shift in one's understanding of Self, God and Reality. From this life-changing understanding begins the real sadhana of re-gaining Self-God Real Experience. I highly recommend this beautiful book to everyone.
"With God, two I's cannot find room, says Rumi. You say "I" and He says "I". Either you die before Him or let Him die before you; then duality will not remain. But it is impossible for Him to die, either subjectively or objectively, since He is the "Living God, The Undying". He possesses such Gentelness that were it possible, He would die for you so that duality may vanish. But since it is impossible for Him to die, you die, so that He may manifest Himself to you and duality may vanish. When Hallaj's love for God reached the utmost limit, he became his own enemy and naughted himself. He said, "I am God," that is "I have been annihilated; God remains, nothing else."
This striking realization "I am God" is the mini enlightenment and the most profound shift in one's understanding of Self, God and Reality. From this life-changing understanding begins the real sadhana of re-gaining Self-God Real Experience. I highly recommend this beautiful book to everyone.
March 16, 2018
A truly beautiful book, one of my favourites.
Far superior to the popular Coleman Barks versions, and I also preferred Chittick's translation to the recently published Masnavi by Jawid Mojaddedi.
The translation into rhyming verse just wasn’t doing it for me. I feel like much must have been lost in translation for the sake of a rhyme?
Far superior to the popular Coleman Barks versions, and I also preferred Chittick's translation to the recently published Masnavi by Jawid Mojaddedi.
The translation into rhyming verse just wasn’t doing it for me. I feel like much must have been lost in translation for the sake of a rhyme?
June 2, 2020
Five stars for the explanations and framework - this is, in my opinion, the most accessible and comprehensive overview of (Rumi's) Sufi teachings.
Three stars for the translations - highly literal, which helps with the academic learnings of the book, but which get redundant and wordy after a while.
Three stars for the translations - highly literal, which helps with the academic learnings of the book, but which get redundant and wordy after a while.
October 8, 2007
Passages from the poetry and prose of Rumi on a variety of different topics.....inspired and inspiring
June 12, 2008
We took a reading from Rumi to use for my daughter's Ceremony of Blessing and Thanksgiving at ChristChurch Cathedral, Oxford. It was so lovely, and so fitting.
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September 17, 2009recommended by several people who study comparative religions.
July 15, 2012
This book is recommended for any body who wants to understand Rumi and his poetry.
April 17, 2016
Very good book for the beginning student. This was my first book about Rumi, his history, and his amazing wisdom and insights. Loved every page.
April 22, 2023
Rumi is a much quoted and often poorly understood poet. Although works of Coleman Bark have popularised Rumi to the Western world, they have done a disservice to Rumi by ignoring the philosophy underpinning his poetry.
Rumi was not just a sage spouting pithy aphorisms he was a mystic who used the medium of poetry to expound his insights, and his theosophy is broader and more accesible than that of Ibn Arabi. He doesn't proselytize but insteads ask the reader to view himself no longer as a physical being but rather as a soul encase in a physical body. Be as mindful of your soul as you are of your body. No need to live life as a monk but instead take responsibility for the welfare your soul.
In my opinion, Chittick has demonstrated the best approach to understanding the depth contained in Rumi's poetry. Chittick has not felt burdened by the need to make Rumi rhyme and he has explicated the verses of Rumi without being too verbose, a feat that Nicholson and Arberry could not achieve.
There seems to be a common thread of ideas that permeate the works of Rumi, Ibn Arabi and Ghazali. Rumi and Ibn Arabi have the same concept of Imagination being an organ of the soul and conduit for divine inspiration. Rumi paradigm of the Universal Intellect is strikingly similar to that of Ghazali's in his 'Mishkat Al Anwar'
At first I did think that perhaps Chittick was guilty of extrapolating the ideas of Ibn Arabi into the works of Rumi but having finished the book, I do believe that Chittick has made a genuince contribution by revealing these points of commonality.
Rumi was not just a sage spouting pithy aphorisms he was a mystic who used the medium of poetry to expound his insights, and his theosophy is broader and more accesible than that of Ibn Arabi. He doesn't proselytize but insteads ask the reader to view himself no longer as a physical being but rather as a soul encase in a physical body. Be as mindful of your soul as you are of your body. No need to live life as a monk but instead take responsibility for the welfare your soul.
In my opinion, Chittick has demonstrated the best approach to understanding the depth contained in Rumi's poetry. Chittick has not felt burdened by the need to make Rumi rhyme and he has explicated the verses of Rumi without being too verbose, a feat that Nicholson and Arberry could not achieve.
There seems to be a common thread of ideas that permeate the works of Rumi, Ibn Arabi and Ghazali. Rumi and Ibn Arabi have the same concept of Imagination being an organ of the soul and conduit for divine inspiration. Rumi paradigm of the Universal Intellect is strikingly similar to that of Ghazali's in his 'Mishkat Al Anwar'
At first I did think that perhaps Chittick was guilty of extrapolating the ideas of Ibn Arabi into the works of Rumi but having finished the book, I do believe that Chittick has made a genuince contribution by revealing these points of commonality.
April 15, 2025
I’ve spent the past two months immersing myself in the world and poetry of Rumi, as masterfully interpreted by William Chittick. It was both eye-opening and heart-opening, a truly unique experience on the path of spiritual awakening. As someone who had only encountered Rumi’s work in fragments before, this collection offered a comprehensive and beautifully crafted introduction to his profound vision and philosophy.
September 7, 2020
Pembahasan buku ini sangat dalam.. Luar biasa. Butuh waktu untuk memahami perkalimatnya.. Menambah mahabbah...
December 1, 2025
"I" and "we" are a stopper of mud and straw—remove the stopper, behold that you yourself are a vat of wine!
February 28, 2016
Good book to read
March 18, 2016
More of a reference book or a catalog of Rumi quotes organized by the author under major headings.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews