Women Called to the Path of Rumi: The Way of the Whirling Dervish

Rating:
Summary: Women's Spiritual Stories - Ancient and Modern
Review: Here is a scholarly, well researched book that documents the history of women in the early days of Mevlevi Sufism, in the time of Jelallusin Rumi. That in itself is a gift for us. We get to know about the lives of Mu'mine, Rumi's mother, and several other women at that time.

Shakina also tells the story of how Mevlevi Sufism came to the shores of America, the young Jelaluddin Loras sent here from Turkey by his father Mevlevi Shaikh Suleman Hayati Dede in the 1970's with the declared intent to once again honor and include women in worship, after an absence of over 200 years. Another gift.

Additionally, we read of the influence of Feriste Hanum, "Mother of the Dervishes" and of Loras. We are able to read the stories of several American women - you probably know some of them - sharing with us how they were called to the path - their personal journies of inward conflicts and illuminations - in their own words. How precious. But wait 'til you see all the illustrations, calligraphy and photographs - dating from the 15th century to the present. What stories they tell, what insights they provide!

Shakina carefully documents her research. She is ever mindful to translate to the reader the meaning of the symbols and Turkish words, explains the deeper meanings of the rituals, and translates their meanings in the lives of today's murid (student or disciple who is under the guidance of a teacher on the path of Sufism).

Thank you, Shakina.

Iris J. Stewart , author, "Sacred Woman, Sacred Dance: Awakening Spirituality Through Movement and Ritual

Rating:
Summary: Women's Spiritual Stories - Ancient and Modern
Review: Here is a scholarly, well researched book that documents the history of women in the early days of Mevlevi Sufism, in the time of Jelallusin Rumi. That in itself is a gift for us. We get to know about the lives of Mu'mine, Rumi's mother, and several other women at that time.

Shakina also tells the story of how Mevlevi Sufism came to the shores of America, the young Jelaluddin Loras sent here from Turkey by his father Mevlevi Shaikh Suleman Hayati Dede in the 1970's with the declared intent to once again honor and include women in worship, after an absence of over 200 years. Another gift.

Additionally, we read of the influence of Feriste Hanum, "Mother of the Dervishes" and of Loras. We are able to read the stories of several American women - you probably know some of them - sharing with us how they were called to the path - their personal journies of inward conflicts and illuminations - in their own words. How precious. But wait 'til you see all the illustrations, calligraphy and photographs - dating from the 15th century to the present. What stories they tell, what insights they provide!

Shakina carefully documents her research. She is ever mindful to translate to the reader the meaning of the symbols and Turkish words, explains the deeper meanings of the rituals, and translates their meanings in the lives of today's murid (student or disciple who is under the guidance of a teacher on the path of Sufism).

Thank you, Shakina.

Iris J. Stewart , author, "Sacred Woman, Sacred Dance: Awakening Spirituality Through Movement and Ritual

Rating:
Summary: Read This Book!
Review: The reason I titled this review the way I did is because the book is so physically beautiful that you may become entranced by the pictures and graphics and forget to read the stories!

When I first picked up this book I was happily guilty of that. But when I started to read I was even more moved than I had expected.

Shakina has succeeded in reminding all of us of the importance of women in the Mevlevi order both historicaly and in modern times. She does this through telling us the stories of individual women who have come to that path and have dedicated their lives to it. She has crafted these stories very well. Reading the book is like sitting with a new found friend and having your first heart to heart discussion. And that discussion opens up your eyes and your heart.

These are not dry documentary or biographical sketches of the women involved but rather they are intimate discussions of their deep hopes, dreams, dissapointments, good times and bad times on the path. And they speak lovingly of the commitment and dedication both of Reinhertz and of the women portrayed.

It is my deep hope that true Islam finds a new home in the US. A home that can bring back the deen that was alive during the life of Muhammad (phuh) and which dissapeared so soon after his death. If this is to happen, the role of women in Islam needs to be acknowledged strongly. As well as the role of Sufism, as expressed in the Mevlevi order and in the many other orders which have begun to grow in the US. I believe that this book is a good example of the kind of information that men and women, muslim and non-muslim alike need to know in order for that home to begin being built!

Alhamdil'illah! David-Iman