Shams al-Tabrizi and history of his shrine شمس التبریزی کی سوانح عمری اور ان کے مزار کی تاریخ

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Biography of Shams al-Tabrizi and the history of his shrine

Dekhti Aankhooon aur sountay kaanoon ko Asslamoalaikum, sisters, brothers friends and elders, in informative series videos of Islamic ascolars, sufisaints, cultural heritages, islamic philosophys, islamic mysticisms and historical figures. today we are describing biography of Shams al-Tabrizi and the history of his shrine.

Shams al-Tabrizi, born in 1185 in the region of Tabriz (modern-day Iran), is one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in the history of Sufism, widely celebrated for his profound spiritual impact on the legendary Persian poet and mystic, Maulana Jalal al-Din Muhammad Balkhi, known as Rumi. Shams al-Tabrizi's life and teachings have been shrouded in mystery and legend, much of which is due to the transformative effect he had on Rumi, with whom he is most closely associated. Though Shams al-Tabrizi was a highly revered spiritual teacher in his own right, it was his relationship with Rumi that cemented his place in history. Known for his unconventional methods of teaching, Shams profoundly altered Rumi's spiritual trajectory, leading Rumi to a deeper, more personal connection with the divine, as reflected in Rumi's poetry, particularly in the works known as the *Divan-e-Shams* (The Collected Poems of Shams). According to historical accounts, Shams spent about forty days with Rumi in intense spiritual companionship, engaging in dialogue, contemplation, and teaching that profoundly changed Rumi's worldview.

However, Shams al-Tabrizi's life was one of constant movement and mystery. His time in Konya, where he met Rumi, was brief and tumultuous. After their transformative period together, Shams mysteriously disappeared, which remains one of the most compelling aspects of his life story. Some accounts suggest that Shams may have been killed or forced to flee, possibly due to the jealousy of Rumi’s followers, who viewed his influence on Rumi with suspicion. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his death, it is generally believed that Shams al-Tabrizi died in 1248, though the exact date and circumstances of his death remain elusive.

After his death, the exact location of Shams al-Tabrizi’s tomb was a matter of confusion and contention for several centuries. In fact, for a long time, the site of his grave was not well known, with various claims about his burial place circulating in the region. However, as interest in his life and teachings grew, particularly through the influence of Rumi's poetry, efforts were made to locate and commemorate the place where Shams had been laid to rest. The tomb of Shams al-Tabrizi is now situated in the city of Konya, Turkey, a city that has become synonymous with Rumi and his teachings. Konya itself is a significant pilgrimage site for Sufi mystics and devotees, and Shams’ tomb stands as a testament to his lasting influence on Islamic mysticism.

The exact location of Shams al-Tabrizi’s tomb in Konya was rediscovered relatively recently, and it has since become an important place of pilgrimage for Sufi Muslims and admirers of Rumi from around the world. The shrine, which is part of a larger complex dedicated to Shams, is a peaceful and serene place where visitors come to pay their respects, seek spiritual solace, and reflect on the teachings of Shams and Rumi. The tomb is located within the vicinity of the Mevlana Museum, which is also dedicated to the life and works of Rumi, further emphasizing the intertwined spiritual legacy of both figures. The shrine has been carefully preserved and expanded over time, becoming a place where both spiritual seekers and scholars can engage in reflection and learning.

The shrine itself is an architectural gem, with a simple yet beautiful design that reflects the spiritual simplicity and depth of Shams' teachings. The complex around the tomb includes a mosque, a prayer hall, and other religious spaces, and it has become a gathering place for annual commemorations of Shams al-Tabrizi’s death, particularly during the *Shams’ anniversary* (*urs*), when Sufi devotees celebrate his life and spiritual contributions. Visitors come not only from Turkey but from across the world, particularly from Iran, Central Asia, and the broader Muslim world, to honor the mystic who played such a pivotal role in shaping Rumi’s spiritual journey.

The significance of Shams al-Tabrizi’s tomb has been officially recognized by the international community as well, with the site recently being added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This recognition is a testament to the global importance of Shams’ spiritual legacy and the enduring influence of his teachings. Through the works of Rumi, Shams' teachings continue to resonate across centuries, and his tomb in Konya has become a focal point for those seeking to connect with the profound spiritual insights he shared. The UNESCO designation also highlights the role of the site as an integral part of the shared heritage of humanity, a place where mysticism, poetry, and spirituality intersect.

In conclusion, Shams al-Tabrizi died in 1248, and his tomb, located in Konya, Turkey, has become one of the most significant spiritual sites in the Islamic world. The shrine was built by those who revered his teachings, and it has undergone many developments over time, with the most significant recognition coming in recent years when it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The legacy of Shams al-Tabrizi lives on through the words of Rumi and the thousands of pilgrims who visit his tomb each year, reflecting the eternal connection between Shams’ wisdom and the heart of Sufism.

With this, we seek your permission until tomorrow, tomorrow we will describe the biography of Shamsuddin Ahmed and the history of his Shrine.

Allah Hafiz
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