Ma-aarif-e-Mathnavi|A Commentary of the Mathnawi of Rumi

Ma-aarif - e - Mathnavi - A Commentary of the Mathnawi of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi
 
The ‘Ma’arife-e-Mathnavi’ is a commentary on a selection of chapters from the famous masterpiece of Moulana Jalaluddin Rumi (RÁ), entitled ‘Mathnawi-e-Rumi’, which is composed of some 28 000 verses of poetry - the commentary of which was undertaken by Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammed Akhtar Saheb.

In this day and age when materialistic prosperity is the principal aspiration, and which unfortunately surpasses religion in terms of chief priority, life revolves entirely around carnal and sensual pleasures - thus the purpose of life itself has been forgotten and the gift of life wasted.

The beautiful characteristic traits pertaining to human excellence which includes shame, modesty, honesty, sincerity, trustworthiness, generosity, kindness, etc. of which good character is moulded, are presently at its lowest ebb.

Hearts have become veiled in darkness and permeated with evil desires and passions - filled with malice, greed, pride, envy, jealousy, etc. in satisfying these cravings of the animal self; both the heart and the soul are foolishly exchanged for that which is ephemeral and perishable.

The translation of the ‘Ma’aarif-e-Mathnavi’ into the English language and its publication in such desperate times is indeed a great boom for the Ummah. A study of the contents of the book with an open mind and with a sincere intention of following through with the advice and teachings of Moulana Jalaluddin Rumi (RÁ), as well as that of the author of the commentary, Arif Billah Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb, would be most instrumental in transforming the sensual and worldly love to the pure, pristine, selfless and healthy love of Allah Taãla and His beloved Rasul, Sayyidina Muhammad (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam). It is in reality the prescription and the panacea for the maladies and ills predominant in the society.

It will rekindle the flickering flame of Imaan into a sound faith in Allah Taãla, His Exalted Status, His Power over all things, His compassion, His Mercy and His Kindness. Likewise it would strengthen the Imaan in His wrath and anger over those who are persistent and heedless of their indulgence in sins, with no thought of sincere repentance. In essence, to rebuild that intimate, sincere and lasting relationship with Allah Taãla, which is a foundation for true success in both worlds. This book is indeed a great gift.

Moulana Jalaaluddin Rumi’s (RÁ) life and works have been covered in this volume by the author and it would be appropriate to mention that the ‘Mathnavi’ of Moulana Jalaaluddin (RA) has inspired and illuminated the hearts of millions of people since it was written and has been extensively quoted by our pious Úlama and Awliyaa

About Mawlana Jalal al-Din al-Rumi (d. 672)
He was the son, father, and grandfather of great Sunni Hanafi Jurists, teachers, and qadis, originating from Balkh or Kabul and settled in and around Istanbul. Ibn Hajar al-`Asqalani in al-Durar al-Kamina (1:352) cites him as "Mawlana" in the vibrant notice on his son Baha' al-Din Ahmad, known as Sultan ibn Mawlana, "one of the Imams of the Hanafi Masters, the brilliant, ascetic, pious Faqih, Usuli, and grammarian who trod the path of his father in leaving the world behind."

Mawlana's full name is Muhammad ibn Muhammad (ibn Muhammad) ibn al-Hasan ibn Ahmad ibn Qasim ibn Habib ibn `Abd Allah ibn `Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Bakr al-Siddiq al-Hashimi. Hajji Khalifa said in Kashf al-Zunun (1:367): "He was a thoroughly knowledgeable Imam in Fiqh according to the School of Abu Hanifa - Allah be well-pleased with him - and he was knowledgeable in the science of juridical differences, then he devoted himself to worship exclusively. Miraculous gifts (karaamaat) are mass-transmitted from him. Allah have mercy on him."

He is known in the West as a "mystical" poet, mostly because of the translation of his large Persian book of poetry of singular beauty, the Mathnawi.
 
By Maulana Hakim Mohammad Akhtar.
Translated from Urdu into English By Moulana Yunus Patel (Naazim Ish'Atul Haq Durban South Africa)
Paperback 267 Pages