Mathnawi

The degree of social engagement within the early mystical tradition continues to be a subject of scholarly inquiry. A thorough understanding of their societal beliefs and perspectives is crucial for a nuanced and realistic interpretation of their teachings. Central to this understanding is the exploration of the concept of utopia. Utilizing an analytical approach, this research aims to define the ideal state according to Rumi’s Mathnawi and outline the path towards its realization. From Rumi’s perspective, an ideal state is characterized by peace, mercy, harmony, justice, and ultimately, equality. The construction of this utopian society relies on the interdependent roles of individuals, society, and the natural environment. To achieve such a state, Rumi posits a two-stage utopian model: first, the cultivation of ideal individuals, followed by the establishment of an ideal society. In the initial stage, individuals attain peace, mercy, and harmony through their connections with themselves, the Divine, and their familial communities, thus preparing them for the construction of an ideal society. This stage also involves learning through their relationship with nature that the essence of all is one, fostering a sense of unity. Humility, modesty, kindness, and honesty further facilitate dialogue, consultation, and support, laying the foundation for justice and equality. However, various obstacles complicate the journey through each stage, all characterized by a common element of deception. In traversing the second stage, political and economic governance assumes a pivotal role, potentially serving as a foundation for the realization of Rumi’s utopia. 

Knowledge, understanding, and attention to its levels, as well as recognition of the obstacles of each level are part of the fundamental principles in the mystical system presented in Mathnawi Manawi and the ancient Upanishads. The emphasis in these two mystical systems is prominent in achieving transcendental and intuitive knowledge in order to show more depth of truth to its followers. Therefore, the important question in these two mystical systems is the introduction and necessity of this intuitive knowledge and how to reach it. In this descriptive-analytical research, two important mystical texts, i.e. Mathnawi in ​​Iranian Islamic mysticism and ancient Upanishads in Indian mysticism, have been studied to answer the above questions. Mathnawi includes the levels of knowledge, from sensory knowledge to intellectual knowledge and finally to intuitive knowledge, which provides the basis for the discovery of the true self, and this intuitive knowledge is the transcendental consciousness. However, in the ancient Upanishads, which are the most important texts of Indian mysticism, these levels of knowledge and understanding are mentioned under the title of Pravidia and Apravidia, and the ultimate goal of this knowledge is to reach the same intuitive knowledge and discover the true Atman.