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INTELLECTUAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE ANATOLIAN SELJUKS DURING RUMI'S TIME |
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To comprehend the non-Islamic beliefs and philosophies against which Rumi fought in the thirteenth century, it would be beneficial to return to the origins of these beliefs and to examine briefly how they emerged and grew. This way, we also will come to know the differences and various sects among Muslims. But before beginning this discussion, I would like to mention the following point: When some respected persons in their writings about the life of Rumi explain the philosophical and ideological environment of the Islamic world during the thirteenth century, hey have tendencies to include views that contradict with the Islamic faith. Furthermore, some Western thinkers who do not understand Islam fully liken religions of Divine revelation, according to the Muslims, to philosophical movements. This view is incorrect because Islam was not founded by Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet who could not read or write was not a scholar or a philosopher who could have been influenced by the ideas and books of the prophets before him and, according to these, establish a religion. Prophet Muhammad was a messenger, a prophet, a bearer of revelation from God. The Prophet did not establish Islam by his own will; God made him establish it. Thus, it is a fatal mistake to think that religions of Divine revelation like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have taken ideas from each other just because one sees similarities in the practices and the truth of these religions. Since God loved human beings whom He created and wanted them not to follow their physical desires but to walk on the true path of humanity, He has sent the same truths at different times through different religions and prophets, from the prophet Adam to Prophet Muhammad. It is for this reason that the Qur'an says: "We do not make a distinction between any of His prophets"
Let us now briefly review the philosophical milieu of the Anatolian Seljuks during the thirteenth century as well as the diverse sects and groups that spread among Muslims in that age. Accordingly, we will be able to understand the origins of the views, ideologies, and philosophies that Rumi fought against in his writings.
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