10 of the Best Rumi Poems Everyone Should Read

Rumi poetry refers to the profound and enchanting verses composed by the 13th-century Persian poet, Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī.

Renowned as one of the greatest spiritual and literary figures in Islamic culture, Rumi’s poetry continues to captivate and inspire readers worldwide.

His verses, often categorized as mystical or Sufi poetry, delve into the realms of love, spirituality, and the profound union between the human soul and the divine.

With his eloquent and evocative language, Rumi’s poetry transcends time and cultural boundaries, offering insights into the human experience and a pathway to spiritual enlightenment.

Through his remarkable poetic expression, Rumi invites readers to embark on a transformative journey, exploring the depths of their emotions, the mysteries of existence, and the eternal quest for union with the divine.

Rumi’s poetry stands as a testament to the enduring power of words to illuminate the soul and inspire profound contemplation.

10 Best Rumi Poems

Here are ten of the best Rumi poems that showcase the depth and beauty of his work:

1. “The Guest House”:
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!

2. “The Lovers”:
In your light, I learn how to love.
In your beauty, how to make poems.
You dance inside my chest,
where no one sees you,
but sometimes I do,
and that sight becomes this art.

3. “I Am Wind, You Are Fire”:
I am wind, you are fire,
we are not separate.
I am a mirror in your hand,
you are the face in it.
I am the valley, you are the mountain.
Listen, come and stay with me.
Be the sky above the desert,
be the star of the night.

4. “The Reed Flute’s Song”:
Listen to the story told by the reed,
of being separated. “Since I was cut from the reedbed,
I have made this crying sound.”
Anyone separated from someone he loves
understands what I mean.
Anyone pulled from a source
longs to go back.

5. “Love Said to Me”:
Love said to me, “There is nothing that is not me.”
Be silent.
Don’t move.
Only then will you hear
what Love has to say.

6. “The Essential Self”:
Inside you, there’s an artist you don’t know about.
He’s not interested in how things look different in moonlight.
If you are here unfaithfully with us,
you’re causing terrible damage.

7. “Come to the Orchard”:
Come to the orchard in Spring.
There is light and wine and sweethearts
in the pomegranate flowers.
If you do not come, these do not matter.
If you do come, these do not matter.

8. “Dance When You’re Broken Open”:
Dance when you’re broken open.
Dance if you’ve torn the bandage off.
Dance in the middle of the fighting.
Dance in your blood.
Dance when you’re perfectly free.

9. “The One Who Takes Care of You”:
God turns you from one feeling to another
and teaches by means of opposites
so that you will have two wings to fly,
not one.

10. “On Love and Sorrow”:
Love and sorrow are inseparable.
If you want to know the secret,
don’t think about joy and forget about sorrow.
That which brings joy can also bring sorrow.

These poems represent a small glimpse into the vast and profound body of work left by Rumi. They invite readers to explore the themes of love, spirituality, self-discovery, and the interconnectedness of all things.

What is the Famous Poem of Rumi?

One of the most famous poems by Rumi is “The Guest House.” This poem has gained widespread recognition and has been widely quoted and shared.

It is a powerful metaphorical exploration of the human experience and the invitation to embrace all emotions and experiences that come our way.

Here is the poem:

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

In this poem, Rumi invites us to embrace all aspects of our human experience, both positive and negative, and to welcome them with open arms.

He suggests that each emotion and experience carries valuable lessons and can lead us to greater understanding and transformation. “The Guest House” serves as a powerful reminder to cultivate acceptance and gratitude for the ever-changing nature of life.

What is the Best Short Poem by Rumi?

Rumi’s poetry is rich with profound and captivating verses. Here is one of his short poems that is widely appreciated for its beauty and wisdom:

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
there is a field. I’ll meet you there.
When the soul lies down in that grass,
the world is too full to talk about.
Ideas, language, even the phrase ‘each other’
doesn’t make any sense.”

This short poem, often referred to as “The Field,” encapsulates Rumi’s message of transcending the limitations of dualistic thinking and embracing a state of unity and connection.

It invites us to move beyond judgments, labels, and divisions and instead find a place where we can meet one another on a deeper level, beyond notions of right and wrong. In that field of unity and presence, Rumi suggests that words and concepts become insufficient, and a profound sense of oneness prevails.

What is the Most Famous Rumi Quote?

Rumi’s works are filled with numerous profound quotes that have resonated with people across cultures and generations. While it is challenging to single out one quote as the most famous, here is a widely recognized and beloved Rumi quote:

“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.”

This quote encapsulates Rumi’s emphasis on following one’s passions, inner calling, and true desires. It encourages individuals to trust their hearts and pursue their authentic passions and loves, assuring them that doing so will guide them on the right path.

This quote beautifully captures Rumi’s message of embracing the transformative power of love and the importance of aligning oneself with one’s deepest passions and purpose.