Rumi and Shams of Tabriz: A Transformative Encounter

The episode portrays the encounter of Rumi with the wandering dervish Shams of Tabriz and discusses how the latter’s impact on the Muslim’s spiritual and literary evolution. There is an element of transformation in their relationship with one another, as well as with the religion; Rumi changed the way he looked at the religion, and even challenged the conventional perspectives that people had about it. Novice and traditional life exist side by side with a new spiritual way of life in identifying Rumi’s character. 

 Rumi’s developing friendship with Shams of Tabriz is introduced as the main plot to the episode. Shams’ impact on Rumi and the work that Rumi has produced is examined, resulting in a transformative change in the hearts of these characters. It also does focus on how Rumi’s family and the society respond to his relationship with Shams as well as to the consequent change of reputation. 

 This part is focused on the experiences and hardships Rumi and his lover have to face from both his family and religious leaders because of the former’s growing bond with Shams. This episode shows the struggle that takes place and the common miscommunication that creates quite a difficult period and a struggle for Rumi’s character spiritually and personally. His poems and preachments start to indicate his restiveness and the growth which his experiences have initiated.