MITHl: Homage was paid to the 13th century Sufi saint, jurist and poet Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi at a gathering held late on Monday evening at Gadi Bhit village on his 745th death anniversary.

The event was organised by the Ghulam Mohammad Janjhi Foundation.

Speaking to the audience, noted poet and writer Prof Noor Ahmed Janjhi said that Moulana Rumi was one of the world acclaimed scholars who spread the message of peace and brotherhood through his mystic poetry.

He said his poetry had not only been widely received in Muslim societies, but had also been appreciated in other cultures as well. He was in 2007 declared one of the most popular poets in the US.

`Although all of Rumi`s work is admirable, his famous Masnavi has received perhaps the greatest attention and admiration. The powerful allegorical and metaphorical expressions in it have transcended time and context. Even after the passage of several centuries his poetic message is considered relevant today,` he added.

`Rumi starts his Masnavi with the story of a flute symbolising the human soul.

According to Rumi, the human spirit is part of the divine soul. Because of its separation from the divine soul, the human soul feels restlessness and is eager to seek reunion with its origin. Rumi asserts that for the reunification with its origin, the human soul needs to develop a strong relationship with God and human beings,` said Prof Noor Ahmed Janjhi.

`Without loving mankind, one cannot achieve divine inspiration. In short, according to Rumi, love for God and His creation is crucial for human salvation.

Professor Janjhi said that the great Sufi saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai was also very much impressed by Rumi`s poetry. Bhital`s poetry was immensely influenced by the thoughts and ideology of Maulana Rumi.

He said that both Bhitai and Rumi had a number of similarities in their poetry.

He said that the collections of the poetry of Maulana Rumi had also been translated into the Sindhi language and was a great source of knowledge for those who wished to learn Rumi and Sufism.

Abdul Wahid Samoon, Doulat Ram Khatri, Sikender Ali Halepoto, Jan Mohammad Janjhi and others also spoke.