The Mathnawi of Jalaluddin Rumi: Persian text & English translation (Shish daftar)

The book Mathnavī-yi Maʿnavī by Mawlānā Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Balkhī is one of the most celebrated masterpieces of Persian mystical literature, composed in six volumes with over 26,000 verses. This bilingual edition, featuring the precise and faithful English translation by renowned British orientalist Reynold Nicholson, offers a unique opportunity for readers interested in Sufism and Persian poetry. The first volume opens with the famous Song of the Reed (Nay-nāmah), addressing the soul’s longing for its divine origin and introducing key mystical themes. The second volume deepens the exploration of spiritual ethics and the path of inner transformation. The third, one of the longest volumes with 4,810 verses, includes philosophical and mystical narratives. The fourth volume delves into complex concepts such as the soul, intellect, and spirit, illustrated through didactic stories. The fifth volume continues these themes while also addressing human relationships and social morality. The sixth and final volume brings together the central ideas of the earlier books and concludes with profound and reflective tales. This bilingual edition, with Nicholson’s elegant and accurate translation, is an invaluable resource not only for Persian readers but also for English-speaking audiences seeking a deeper understanding of mystical concepts. It also serves as a practical tool for students and researchers of literature and Sufism.