Born in the 13th century in what’s now Afghanistan, Jalaluddin Rumi—often known as Rumi—has a way with words that’s like an open invitation to the soul. Even if you haven’t read his poetry yet, you’ve probably stumbled across his words on social media or in a random coffee shop, scribbled on a chalkboard next to a latte special. Yeah, he’s that poet who somehow captures life’s mysteries with a few lines, making you pause and think, “Wow, how did he know exactly what I’m feeling?” Actually, Rumi’s words have been weaving their way into hearts for over 700 years—crazy, right?
Whether it’s about love, life, or the divine, Rumi’s books are like that cozy blanket for the soul. So, if you’re curious about the world of this 13th-century wordsmith, let me be your guide. We’re about to explore some of his most beautiful works that still resonate, like a perfectly timed hug from the universe. Ready to get lost in his poetic wisdom? Let’s go!
10 Books Written By Rumi
Rumi’s writing was his way of making sense of the world, finding beauty in both the everyday and the extraordinary. He was a mystic, a scholar, and a spiritual teacher whose thoughts have transcended time and culture. Fast forward 700 years, and his verses still feel fresh, like they were written for us in this very moment. Yeah, he’s that timeless.
Now, if you’re wondering where to start, let’s see some of his greatest works that continue to inspire people worldwide:
Masnavi (The Spiritual Couplets) – Often considered Rumi’s magnum opus, this six-volume poetic masterpiece is like a spiritual guidebook, filled with stories, fables, and deep reflections. It’s a treasure trove of wisdom that weaves together tales about love, the human journey, and the mysteries of existence.
Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi (The Collected Poems of Shams of Tabriz) – This collection is Rumi’s heartfelt tribute to his spiritual companion, Shams of Tabriz. Many of Rumi’s most famous quotes come from these poems, each one a gem that leaves you thinking long after you’ve read it.
Fihi Ma Fihi (It Is What It Is) – If you’ve ever wished you could sit down with Rumi over tea and chat about life’s biggest questions, this is the book for you. It’s a collection of Rumi’s lectures and conversations, written in prose.
These masterpieces are the perfect starting point for a journey through his soul-stirring poetry. Trust me, once you start reading, it’s hard not to get hooked! Here are more books written by Rumi.
1. The Masnavi (Masnavi-i Ma’navi) by Rumi
Goodreads Rating: 4.60/5
The Masnavi is Rumi’s masterpiece. If you think of Rumi as a spiritual guide, then this is his ultimate manual—a spiritual road map, if you will. It’s a massive collection, spanning six books, and it covers everything from love, life, the nature of the divine, and the mysteries of existence. Think of it as a treasure chest of stories, parables, and poetic reflections that can take years to fully appreciate.
Each story is like a little mirror reflecting different aspects of human experience. Some are funny (yep, Rumi had a sense of humor!), some are profound, and others are those head-scratchers that make you go, “Wait, what did he just say?” But when you get it, oh boy, it feels like unlocking a hidden part of yourself. It’s no wonder scholars call this the Persian equivalent of The Divine Comedy.
Pros: Deep, insightful, and endlessly rich. It’s the kind of book you can read over and over again, finding new meaning each time.
Cons: Super dense! It’s not the book you casually read before bed. It requires focus and patience.
Should You Read It? : Yes, if you’re up for a challenge and want to dive deep into Rumi’s universe. It’s perfect for the serious spiritual seeker. Think of it as a lifetime companion rather than a one-time read.
2. The Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi (Divan of Shams of Tabriz)
Goodreads Rating: 4.53/5
This one’s all about Rumi’s muse and spiritual soulmate, Shams of Tabriz. After meeting Shams, Rumi’s poetry took a wild turn—like, think love-struck but on a cosmic scale. This book is where you find Rumi at his most passionate, unrestrained, and honestly beautifully chaotic. It’s like reading the diary of someone who discovered the meaning of life… and they have to tell you all about it.
The poems range from romantic to mystical, from melancholic to ecstatic. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and every line is packed with metaphor and imagery that feels both otherworldly and deeply personal. Rumi describes the pain of separation from Shams, the joy of reunion, and the yearning for a spiritual connection that transcends the physical world.
Pros: Raw, passionate, and brimming with emotion. It’s perfect if you want to see the more intense side of Rumi.
Cons: It can feel overwhelming at times—like, wow, calm down, Rumi! Also, the dense metaphors might be tricky without some guidance.
Should You Read It?: Absolutely, if you’re ready for poetry that reads like a love letter to the universe. It’s intense, but oh, so worth it. It’s like a spiritual love affair in book form.
3. Fihi Ma Fihi (It Is What It Is)
Goodreads Rating: 4.35/5
Now, if The Masnavi is Rumi’s spiritual textbook, then Fihi Ma Fihi is his fireside chat. It’s like Rumi invited you over, poured you a cup of tea, and started talking about, well, everything. He gets into philosophy, spirituality, the nature of the soul, and the art of being a human being—no big deal, right? It’s a collection of 71 discourses, and in them, you get a sense of Rumi as a teacher, a friend, and sometimes even as a bit of a comedian.
The tone here is more casual, and Rumi is talking directly to his followers, answering their questions and challenging their assumptions. It’s more accessible than his poetry because it feels like you’re eavesdropping on a deep conversation, but oh, he still makes you think. And some of these thoughts? Yeah, they might keep you up at night.
Pros: Super conversational and easier to digest than some of Rumi’s heavier poetry. It’s like Rumi’s TED Talk!
Cons: Some of the topics might feel a little outdated if you’re not familiar with the context of his time.
Should You Read It?: Yes, especially if you want to get to know Rumi as a philosopher and teacher. It’s perfect for when you’re looking for wisdom but don’t want to wade through heavy poetry.
4. The Rubaiyat of Rumi
Goodreads Rating: 4.42/5
This one’s a collection of Rumi’s quatrains—short, four-line poems that pack a punch. It’s like Rumi’s version of bite-sized wisdom, kind of like those fortune cookie sayings but, you know, infinitely deeper and more poetic. The quatrains are perfect for those moments when you don’t have time to sit down with a big book but still want a little spark of inspiration.
The themes range from the nature of existence to the mysteries of love and the divine. It’s a little lighter and more accessible than The Masnavi, making it a great entry point if you’re new to Rumi’s world. Plus, the short format means you can keep this one on your nightstand and dip in and out whenever you need a quick dose of perspective.
Pros: Short, impactful, and great for daily inspiration. Perfect for people who love poetry but have a busy schedule.
Cons: The brevity means you don’t get to delve into more complex ideas as much.
Should You Read It?: Yeah, if you want to experience Rumi in small, potent doses. It’s like spiritual espresso—strong, intense, but oh-so-good!
5. Letters of Rumi (Maktubat)
Goodreads Rating: 4.28/5
Now, here’s a side of Rumi you might not have seen before—the letter-writer! Maktubat is a collection of letters Rumi wrote to friends, followers, and even political leaders of his time. And oh, these aren’t just “Hey, how are you?” letters. Rumi pours out his thoughts on spirituality, life challenges, and the role of a spiritual teacher in these letters.
Reading them feels like getting a little peek into his personal life—like you’re scrolling through his old text messages or emails. It’s Rumi, unplugged and unfiltered. You’ll see his compassionate side, his frustrations, and his unshakeable belief in the power of love and spirituality. It’s a side of Rumi that makes him feel more human and relatable.
Pros: Personal and intimate—gives a unique glimpse into Rumi’s life beyond his poetry.
Cons: Some of the letters are very specific to the people he wrote to, so they might feel a little less universal.
Should You Read It? : Yes, if you’re a Rumi fan who wants to see the man behind the poetry. It’s a different flavor of his wisdom, and it’s worth savoring.
6. Majalis-e-Sab’a (Seven Sessions)
Goodreads Rating: 4.18/5
Okay, this one’s a hidden gem. It’s not as famous as The Masnavi or The Divan, but it’s special. Majalis-e-Sab’a is a collection of seven sermons that Rumi delivered to his followers. And don’t worry, it’s not like your average Sunday morning sermon. These talks are rich with stories, metaphors, and spiritual guidance that make you feel like you’re right there in the room with him.
He covers everything from the journey of the soul to the secrets of divine love and what it means to truly live a spiritual life. It’s a great middle-ground between Rumi’s poetry and his more philosophical writings.
Pros: A great mix of storytelling and spiritual guidance. It feels like Rumi is talking directly to you.
Cons: A bit harder to find and not as widely translated.
Should You Read It?: If you love Rumi’s storytelling and want to see how he connected with his followers in person then give it a try. It’s like attending a Rumi masterclass from the comfort of your couch.
7. Mathnawi of Jalaluddin Rumi (Books 1 & 2) translated by Reynold A. Nicholson
Goodreads Rating: 4.40/5
Let’s zoom in on the first two books of the Masnavi. Reynold A. Nicholson’s translation is a classic and stays close to Rumi’s original style. If you’re a fan of detailed, faithful translations, this one’s for you. Nicholson’s work is revered in academia, and it gives you the poetic structure and rhythm of Rumi’s original Persian.
These books are filled with stories and parables that teach you about the human experience—love, loss, joy, and that inevitable yearning for something beyond ourselves. It’s a great way to appreciate the complexity of Rumi’s thoughts, but yeah, it’s definitely not light reading.
Pros: Super faithful to the original Persian text. It’s as close as you can get to reading Rumi in his own words.
Cons: The language can feel a bit archaic and formal, making it harder to follow.
Should You Read It?: If you’re a poetry purist who wants the real deal then Yes! This is for the readers who want to appreciate Rumi’s poetic craftsmanship in its truest form.
8. Spiritual Couplets of Rumi translated by Jawid Mojaddedi
Goodreads Rating: 4.51/5
This translation by Jawid Mojaddedi is a fantastic balance between academic rigor and readability. It’s a translation of some of Rumi’s couplets, which explore his views on spirituality, the nature of the universe, and the relationship between the soul and the divine. Mojaddedi has a knack for keeping the poetic feel while making it accessible, so it doesn’t feel like you’re trudging through a textbook.
The couplets are playful, philosophical, and sometimes even a bit cheeky. Rumi uses humor to talk about the serious stuff—like how we’re all a bit clueless about the bigger mysteries of life. It’s like reading poetry with a friend who’s not afraid to crack a joke now and then.
Pros: Accessible yet true to the original text. Great for people who want a taste of the Masnavi without diving into the whole thing.
Cons: It’s just a selection of the couplets, so you don’t get the full range of Rumi’s epic storytelling.
Should You Read It?: Yes, if you want to dip your toes into Rumi’s poetic world without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a lovely, lyrical read.
9. Kulliyat-e-Shams (The Complete Works of Shams) by Rumi
Goodreads Rating: 4.48/5
This is the entire collection of Rumi’s poetry inspired by his spiritual teacher, Shams of Tabriz. If The Divan-e Shams is the highlights reel, then this is the full movie—every scene, every outtake, and all the behind-the-scenes moments. It’s a vast collection that captures the full spectrum of Rumi’s feelings toward Shams—love, longing, loss, and the joy of their mystical connection.
You’ll find poems that feel like they were written in a moment of pure ecstasy and others that read like a heartbreaking farewell. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and every line is like a window into Rumi’s soul.
Pros: It’s a complete, unfiltered look at one of the most important relationships in Rumi’s life. The depth is unmatched.
Cons: It’s huge, so it’s a commitment. And not all of it is translated into English, so finding a complete version might be tricky.
Should You Read It?: Yes, if you want to go all-in and experience the full breadth of Rumi’s spiritual journey with Shams. It’s a lot, but it’s worth every page.
10. Mathnawi (Books 5 & 6) translated by Reynold A. Nicholson
Goodreads Rating: 4.44/5
Wrapping up our list with another chunk of The Masnavi, this time focusing on books 5 and 6. By this point in the series, Rumi is diving deep into some of his most profound teachings. The stories get more intricate, the metaphors more layered, and the philosophical questions more challenging.
Nicholson’s translation is, again, super faithful to the original, but it’s also a bit denser, so this one is definitely for the serious Rumi enthusiasts. But if you stick with it, you’ll find some of Rumi’s most beautiful reflections on the nature of love, the soul’s journey, and the infinite dance between life and death.
Pros: It’s rich with meaning, and Nicholson’s work helps you appreciate the nuances of Rumi’s language.
Cons: Not for casual readers—this is the deep end of Rumi’s spiritual ocean.
Should You Read It?: Yes, if you’re ready to complete your journey through The Masnavi and see how Rumi ties all his themes together. It’s like the grand finale of a spiritual symphony.
Last Words
So there you have it – a journey through the timeless words of Rumi. It’s kind of magical, isn’t it? His books are like windows into another world, yet somehow they reflect our own. Whether you’re looking to soothe a restless heart, find some spiritual inspiration, or need a little poetic pick-me-up, Rumi’s got you covered. Seriously, it’s like he knew all our 21st-century struggles long before they were even a thing.
So go ahead, pick up one of his books, and let those words sink in. Oh, and don’t forget to keep a highlighter handy—because, trust me, you’ll find more than a few lines worth saving. Happy reading, my fellow seeker!
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