The World Today Needs Rumi’s Message More Than Ever
Dr. Arzani reported that the conference, organized by the Iranian Cultural Center in collaboration with UM’s Academy of Malay Studies, was warmly received by Malaysian professors and students, artists, Iranian expatriates, and representatives from the embassies of Iran, Iraq, and Tajikistan.
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He noted that distinguished scholars from both Iran and Malaysia explored Rumi’s spiritual and civilizational impact, including Dr. Sabzali Mousakhani, Professor Ahmad Murad Merican, Dr. Mehdi Soltanzadeh, and Dr. Shafaat al-Sara Salahuddin. Each speaker examined Rumi’s role in shaping intellectual and cultural discourse in the Islamic world.
Professor Merican even shared that he named his son “Rumi” in honor of the poet and called for the publication of an affordable Malay-language edition of the Masnavi. Rumi: An Eternal Bridge of Civilizations
Dr. Arzani’s own lecture was titled “Rumi: An Eternal Bridge of Civilizations – Love and Empathy as a Universal Language.” He emphasized that in today’s world, where political and economic boundaries often strain international relations, it is culture and spirituality that build bridges between people. “Rumi is one of the greatest architects of this spiritual bridge,” he said, “a poet whose message of love and unity has resonated across civilizations for centuries.”
Rumi, he explained, viewed civilization as the awakening of the soul, with divine love as its foundation—reviving the human spirit from spiritual death to rebirth. The Language of Love
“Rumi believed the human heart understands only one language: the language of love,” Arzani said. “This language transcends geography and dialect, bringing nations closer together.”
He quoted Rumi’s famous line: “Empathy is better than speaking the same language,” explaining that true unity arises not from shared words, but from shared feelings and inner understanding. “Two people may speak the same language yet remain distant, while two nations may speak different tongues but live with hearts aligned.” Four Paths to Civilizational Unity
According to Rumi’s vision, Arzani outlined four enduring paths to unity among nations: Translation and cultural exchange, Intercultural and interfaith dialogue, Art and music, especially poetry, Cultural and academic diplomacy
“These are the channels that touch hearts and endure,” he said. Rumi’s Message for a Divided World
“In a world wounded by misunderstanding and division,” Arzani concluded, “Rumi calls us to see with the heart and speak with love. He warns that people often speak from assumptions, not truth.”
He referenced the opening of the Masnavi, where the reed flute laments separation from its source—a metaphor for the human soul’s longing for divine reunion. “Love,” he said, “is the cure that transforms separation into unity.” A Beginning for Deeper Cultural Ties
Dr. Arzani also highlighted the artistic segment of the event and described the conference as a valuable starting point for deeper cultural cooperation between Iran and Malaysia. “God willing,” he said, “these exchanges will continue and pave the way for broader and more meaningful connections between our two nations.”
