A Little Book of Mystical Secrets: Rumi, Shams of Tabriz, and the Path of Ecstasy

Mafi (Rumi’s Little Book of Life) turns the spotlight on some of Rumi’s most notable and influential companions to provide a richer picture of the Sufi poet’s milieu. In this easily readable and slim volume, Mafi tells the story of Mowlânâ Shams, aka Shams of Tabriz, who was arguably Rumi’s principle catalyst and inspiration. In the book’s two principal parts, Mafi amasses a brief and illuminating biography and a collection of notable sayings from Shams of Tabriz. Readers will appreciate how the peripatetic Sufi went into seclusion with Rumi and led the poet to let his heart sing through music, dance, and poetry; his instigations distinctly shaped the Rumi known today. After reading this insightful work, readers interested in Sufism, poetry, or Rumi himself will be delighted to have further insight and clarity about the influence that an otherwise almost unknown Muslim mystic had on one of the most celebrated poets of all time. (Apr.)

This review has been corrected to reflect the accurate price.