If I were so lucky as to have dinner with a philosopher, it would have to be Jalal-al-Din Muhammad Rumi.
The 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic captured the hearts of millions around the world. Centuries later, he continues to inspire people of different nationalities, culture and spiritual persuits with his rich and timeless philosophies of life.
I imagine Rumi and I sitting at a table with a few vegetarian dishes and fresh fruits. I’d offer him a bowl of Malaysian-style tofu, if he were inclined to try it.
While he indulged in the simple meal, I would tell him how I accidentally discovered him while browsing the Internet, and how mesmerised I was by his poems. I would confess that, at first, I thought his poems were about human love, and only later realised they were about the Divine. Back then, I couldn’t fully understand it, but I do now.
After eating, I would ask him about his own inspirations.
I would ask him what life was like in Balkh Province, now in present-day Afghanistan, and about his journey to Turkiye. I would want to know more about his relationship with his friend and muse, Shams Tabrizi – how was it really like?
Then I’d ask him the question I’ve asked well-known personalities in the past:
“What does success mean to you?”
And I imagine he would give me a deeply inspiring reply:
“To me, success is living with love in my heart, knowing myself truly, and becoming closer to the Divine with every breath.”
And it would one of the most heart-warming and inspiring dinners I’d ever have.
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