Jalaluddin Rumi (1207-1273) is the most famous exponent of the mystical tradition in Islam and venerated as "Mevlana," "our master." The still flourishing Mevlevi order of dervishes, famous for their ecstatic music and dance, was organized by his eldest son on the basis of Rumi's teaching and practice. He spent most of his life in Konya in Rum (modern Anatolia), whence the name "Rumi." His longest work, the Mathnavi, has held its reputation in the...