RASC News Agency: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated October 7, Rumi’s birthday, as the global “Day of Respect for Others,” following the efforts of an Afghanistani scholar. Sayed Eshraq Hosseini, a philosophy professor, proposed this designation to UNESCO, which, after deliberation, approved the initiative.
Hosseini stated that UNESCO unanimously adopted this day as the “Day of Respect for Others” and will proceed with the necessary administrative processes. This Afghanistani writer and professor explained that he had sent a letter to UNESCO requesting that Rumi’s birthday be named the “Day of Respect for Others.”
Rumi, also known as Mawlana Jalaluddin Muhammad Balkhi, was born on October 7, 1207, in Balkh. His father, Muhammad bin Hussein, a renowned preacher known as Sultan-ul-Ulama, was a prominent figure in Balkh. During his childhood, Rumi’s family migrated from Balkh to Konya, a city in present-day Turkey, to escape the Mongol invasions. It was there that Rumi gained fame.
A pivotal moment in Rumi’s life was his meeting with Shams Tabrizi, a mystic who introduced him to Sufism and mysticism. Rumi passed away on December 17, 1273, due to illness. His tomb in Konya has become a pilgrimage site for his followers and admirers.
Rumi’s legacy includes his major works: the Masnawi, the Diwan-e Kabir, and Fihi Ma Fihi. In Rumi’s mystical philosophy, humans hold a revered position, deserving of respect and honor regardless of their beliefs or religion.
