Observed annually on September 30^th, Rumi Day is a holiday that commemorates the life of poet Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi — known to most people simply as Rumi. This is a day to learn more about the life of this poet and to delve into some of his works.

This 13th-century Persian poet’s works have endured the test of time and are still enjoyed to this day by people all over the world. Regardless of whether a person comes into contact with his work through a bookstore, library, or online archive, it is sure to move them emotionally and mentally.

The History Of Rumi Day

Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī was born on September 30^th, 1207 in Vakhsh (present-day Tajikistan). His parents would end up moving him to Samarkand in southeastern Uzbekistan in 2012 when he was just 5 years old.

He would live most of his life under the Sultanate of Rum, a culturally Turco-Persian Sunni Muslim state and it’s there where he produced the majority of his works. His major works included Maṭnawīye Ma’nawī (Spiritual Couplets), Dīwān-e Kabīr (Great Work), Fihi Ma Fihi, and Makatib. In 1273, Rumi died but his influence has continued to grow over the years.

So much so, that Rumi’s birthday has been observed for hundreds of years around the world and is still observed with respect to this day.

Observing Rumi Day

This holiday is best observed by reading Rumi’s poetry and perhaps by learning more about this Persian poet’s life. It’s also a great day for people to share his works on social media using the hashtag #RumiDay.

And another way to observe this holiday is by taking the time to introduce friends and family members to this poet’s works. Works that have been studied, analyzed, and pondered over for the better part of 800 years.