If you’ve ever found yourself lost in a moment of deep thought, sipping tea and staring out of a window (you know, like one of those moody movie scenes), you’ve probably come across Rumi’s words. This 13th-century Persian poet has a way of hitting you right in the soul, doesn’t he? His poetry is like that one friend who gets you, even when you don’t get yourself. But where do you even start with Rumi? There are so many books about him, and each one seems to offer a new window into his world of love, spirituality, and… well, all those things that make you go “Whoa.”
But don’t worry—grab your favorite cozy blanket, because today we’re going to read some of the best books about Rumi. Ready to feel all the feelings? Let’s do this!
10 Books About Rumi
Why should you even bother picking up Rumi’s books when there are so many other things vying for your attention these days (like those endless Netflix recommendations or that new viral TikTok dance)? Well, here’s the thing—Rumi isn’t just some poet who wrote pretty words centuries ago. Oh no, he’s the real deal when it comes to timeless wisdom, and his works hit you right in the feels even today.
When you’re having one of those days—you know, the kind where nothing seems to go right, and you’re questioning everything (like, why is adulting so hard?). And then you read a Rumi quote, and it feels like a warm hug from the universe. Seriously, Rumi’s books are packed with nuggets of truth about love, life, and the mysteries of existence, written in a way that makes you go, “Whoa, how did he know?”
Plus, His words somehow make you feel understood and challenge you to see life from a different, more soulful perspective. And let’s not forget the spiritual vibes—reading Rumi often feels like giving your mind and heart a little spa day. Trust me, it’s that soothing!
So here are some books which are more than pages filled with poetry—they’re companions for those moments when you’re searching for deeper meaning or simply need a reminder that, umm, life’s beautiful, even in its messiness. Ready to see that magic? Yeah, thought so!
1. The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks
Goodreads Rating: 4.41/5
Alright, let’s start with the big one! Coleman Barks, the name synonymous with bringing Rumi to the Western world, gives us “The Essential Rumi.” This is the book that probably introduced your friend, your mom, or maybe even you to Rumi’s mystical world. But what’s the catch here? It’s not a literal translation; it’s more like a creative retelling. Barks takes the essence, the pure emotions, the soul of Rumi’s words, and translates them in a way that feels like a warm, philosophical hug.
You’ll find poems about love—not only romantic love, but love as a force that connects us all, the kind that makes you go, “Ah, now I get it.” There’s talk about divine mysteries, spiritual longing, and the beauty of finding yourself (and losing yourself) in the greater cosmos. Barks makes these concepts feel intimate, like he’s whispering Rumi’s secrets into your ear.
Pros: It’s a beautifully poetic translation, accessible to anyone—even those new to poetry. Plus, Barks has this magical ability to make ancient wisdom feel modern and fresh.
Cons: Hardcore Rumi fans might feel Barks took too many liberties. If you’re looking for a word-for-word, faithful translation, you might find yourself scratching your head.
Should You Read It?: If you want Rumi to make your heart swell with emotions, and you’re okay with a bit of poetic interpretation, go for it. It’s like a soulful conversation with a dear old friend.
2. Rumi: The Book of Love by Coleman Barks
Goodreads Rating: 4.34/5
Love, sweet love! But wait, we’re not only talking about candlelit dinners here. Nope, this book shows the spiritual side of love—the kind that transcends time, space, and, well, logic. If you’re the type who believes that love is the answer to all of life’s big questions (or if you want to be), then this is the book for you. Barks focuses on Rumi’s poems about love, capturing that deep yearning we all feel at some point—whether for another person, for God, or for something we can’t quite put our finger on.
This collection is like a love letter from Rumi to the universe, and it’ll have you swooning and sighing like you’ve watched a tear-jerker movie. It’s passionate, intense, and full of those “Aha!” moments where you suddenly feel like Rumi is speaking directly to your heart.
Pros: The focus on love makes this a great gift for someone you adore—or just for yourself! It’s poetic, it’s deep, and it’s incredibly moving.
Cons: The theme might feel repetitive if you’re looking for a wider variety of topics. It’s more like a single melody rather than a whole symphony.
Should You Read It?: Yes, if you’re a romantic (at heart or otherwise) or if you’re curious about how Rumi saw love in its purest form. It’s perfect for those introspective evenings with a cup of tea (or wine, I’m not judging!).
3. Rumi’s Little Book of Life: The Garden of the Soul, the Heart, and the Spirit by Maryam Mafi & Azima Melita Kolin
Goodreads Rating: 4.28/5
Now, this little treasure is like a spiritual pick-me-up. Think of it as Rumi distilled into bite-sized pieces that you can savor every morning, like a vitamin for your soul. Maryam Mafi and Azima Melita Kolin have translated some of Rumi’s lesser-known works here, and they’ve done it in a way that feels like finding a hidden garden. It’s got short, simple poems, making it an easy read—perfect if you’re not ready to read the deep end of Rumi’s longer verses just yet.
The themes touch on the beauty of everyday life, the simplicity of being, and those deep, existential questions that make you go, “Yeah, what is the meaning of all this?” It’s not as heavy as some of the other Rumi books, so you can flip it open when you need a quick moment of zen.
Pros: Short, sweet, and easy to digest. It’s perfect for people who want a daily dose of Rumi without committing to a massive tome.
Cons: If you’re hoping for in-depth, complex ideas, you might find this a little too light.
Should You Read It?: Totally! It’s a great choice if you’re dipping your toes into Rumi’s world and aren’t ready to commit to a full collection yet. Plus, it’s perfect for those who want to start their mornings on a mindful note.
4. The Masnavi translated by Jawid Mojaddedi
Goodreads Rating: 4.60/5
The Masnavi! This is the grand opus, Rumi’s magnum opus, his pièce de résistance. It’s basically the “War and Peace” of Sufi poetry, spanning six volumes. Think of it as a spiritual roadmap—Rumi’s way of guiding you through the highs and lows of the human soul, and maybe helping you find your own truth. Jawid Mojaddedi’s translation is probably the closest you’ll get to the original Persian flavor without needing a dictionary at every line.
Mojaddedi brings Rumi’s original meaning to life, but it’s still quite a heavy read, full of metaphors, philosophical musings, and stories that make you think, “Wait, what was that about again?” But oh, when you get it, it feels like cracking the code of the universe. It’s not the book you’ll read in one sitting—it’s more like a lifelong companion that you keep coming back to, discovering new layers each time.
Pros: The closest you’ll get to understanding Rumi’s true spirit. It’s profound, deep, and packed with insights.
Cons: Definitely not for beginners. It’s dense and requires patience.
Should You Read It?: Yes, if you’re ready for a challenge and want to go beyond the simple beauty of Rumi’s poetry to really understand his spiritual teachings. This is for those who love sinking their teeth into big, complex ideas.
5. Rumi’s Spiritual Verses: The First Book of the Masnavi translated by Alan Williams
Goodreads Rating: 4.52/5
Okay, so you want to get into The Masnavi but the six volumes make you sweat? Here’s your solution. Alan Williams translates the first book of this epic, and he does it with an academic flair that still feels approachable. It’s a bit more formal than Barks’ take, but the reward is that you get a glimpse into the original structure of Rumi’s storytelling.
Williams does a stellar job of keeping the flow and rhythm intact, and he’s great at explaining the cultural context. You’ll get tales about mystics, prophets, and the eternal struggle between body and soul. It’s like going to a fancy dinner—you leave feeling nourished, but you might need to unbutton your pants afterward to digest it all.
Pros: A well-balanced introduction to The Masnavi. More detailed than Barks but still readable.
Cons: It can be a little dry in places, especially if you’re not used to classical poetry.
Should You Read It?: Definitely! Especially if you want to dip your toes into Rumi’s larger works without drowning in six volumes. It’s a great bridge between the lighter translations and the full Masnavi experience.
6. Rumi: Bridge to the Soul by Coleman Barks
Goodreads Rating: 4.32/5
Here’s another gem from Barks, and this one is special! “Bridge to the Soul” is like Rumi’s greatest hits, with a focus on his later years—think of it as Rumi’s spiritual reflections as he matured. Barks even took a trip to Turkey, Rumi’s homeland, to get in the zone before writing this one. Now that’s commitment, right? He channels that inspiration into poems that feel like they’re speaking to your very soul.
The themes? They’re all about transformation, the nature of the self, and how the soul connects to everything around it. It’s perfect for those times when you’re feeling introspective or need some wise words to lift your spirits.
Pros: It’s poetic and deep, but still approachable. A great choice for when you want a mix of inspiration and profound thought.
Cons: It’s a bit of a mixed bag in terms of tone—some poems are super intense, while others are softer.
Should You Read It?: Absolutely, especially if you’ve already dipped into Barks’ other books and want more of Rumi’s mystical goodness. It’s like a soul-soothing retreat in book form.
7. In the Arms of the Beloved by Jonathan Star
Goodreads Rating: 4.45/5
Now, Jonathan Star’s translation brings a whole new flavor to Rumi’s work. If Barks is like a warm chat with a friend, Star is more like a deep conversation with a wise mentor. He tries to stay as close as possible to Rumi’s original Persian text while still making it flow in English. The result? A collection that feels almost like a musical composition—flowing, rhythmic, and deeply moving.
Star captures that timeless longing in Rumi’s work—whether it’s for the divine, for the beloved, or for the truth hidden beneath all our human struggles. This book is perfect for those who want to appreciate Rumi’s poetic craftsmanship, but be warned—it’s not a light read.
Pros: It’s faithful to the original text, offering depth and authenticity.
Cons: Might feel a bit too formal or heavy for casual readers.
Should You Read It?: Yes, if you want a more authentic experience with Rumi’s words. It’s like listening to a classical symphony—you appreciate the artistry, even if it takes a little effort to get into it.
8. Rumi’s Little Book of the Heart by Maryam Mafi
Goodreads Rating: 4.27/5
Okay, so imagine you have this pocket-sized treasure that you can carry around, like a little companion for those “hmm, life is weird” moments. That’s exactly what Rumi’s Little Book of the Heart is. Maryam Mafi has a knack for picking Rumi’s shorter verses and giving them a poetic twist that makes them feel modern, but without losing that ancient charm. Think of it like those mini chocolates that are small but pack a punch.
The themes here? Oh, they range from the search for divine love to the mysteries of the universe, but they’re wrapped up in bite-sized poems. You can read a verse or two during your coffee break and still feel like you’ve been to a spiritual spa.
Pros: It’s perfect for busy souls who want a quick dive into Rumi’s wisdom. The translation feels gentle and soothing.
Cons: You might breeze through it too fast, wishing there was a little more depth.
Should You Read It?: Yes, if you want to savor Rumi’s magic in small doses. It’s like having Rumi whispering sweet spiritual nothings into your ear when you need them most.
9. The Rumi Daybook: 365 Poems and Teachings from the Beloved Sufi Master by Kabir Helminski & Camille Helminski
Goodreads Rating: 4.48/5
Now, this one’s a bit different—it’s like having a daily Rumi meditation guide. Imagine waking up, opening a page, and finding a thought that sets the tone for your day. It’s like those desk calendars, but instead of cheesy jokes, you get Rumi’s wisdom. And honestly, doesn’t that sound like a way better start to your morning?
Kabir and Camille Helminski did a fabulous job compiling these verses. It’s a mix of poetry and prose, each with a little nugget of wisdom. Some days, you’ll find a poem that’ll make you ponder life’s mysteries (like, “Wait, do I really need to keep stressing about my to-do list?”), while other days, it’s like a pep talk from a wise friend.
Pros: Perfect for daily practice—it’s like having Rumi as your spiritual life coach. Plus, the prose explanations add context, making it easier to understand the deeper meanings.
Cons: If you’re the type who likes to read poetry in big chunks, the daily format might feel a little restrictive.
Should You Read It?: Absolutely! It’s like a little spiritual vitamin to start or end your day. If you’ve ever wanted a book that grows with you day by day, this is it.
10. The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak
Goodreads Rating: 4.21/5
Okay, this one’s a bit of a wild card because it’s technically a novel, but oh, trust me, it belongs here! The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak is like that movie that’s inspired by true events—only, the true events are Rumi’s life and his connection with Shams of Tabriz. It’s a story that weaves two timelines: the historical tale of Rumi and Shams, and a modern story about Ella, a woman who finds a manuscript that changes her life.
This book takes Rumi’s teachings and shows how they can transform lives, even centuries later. Shafak masterfully explores themes like love, spirituality, and the struggle to break free from societal norms. It’s like going on a literary road trip where you get lost in Rumi’s world but also find your way back to your own heart. It’s not your typical Rumi book, but oh, the magic is there, hidden in every page.
Pros: It’s a great way to understand Rumi’s teachings through storytelling. The dual timelines keep things interesting, and it’s beautifully written.
Cons: Since it’s a novel, it’s not pure Rumi poetry, which might be a letdown if that’s what you’re specifically looking for.
Should You Read It?: Heck yes, especially if you love fiction with a spiritual twist. It’s the kind of book that will make you pause and think about your own life choices (in a good way, I promise).
Last Words
One moment you’re here thinking about what to have for dinner, and the next, you’re contemplating the meaning of the universe (thanks, Rumi!). But hey, that’s the beauty of it, right? Whether you’re starting your journey with his works or you’re already in deep, there’s always more to discover.
So, next time you’re feeling a little lost or need some soul-soothing words, you know where to turn. And who knows? You might find yourself quoting Rumi at random moments like the poetic philosopher you’ve always secretly wanted to be. I’ll see you on that soulful journey, my friend!
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