LOVE'S TRANSCENDENCE: DECONSTRUCTING RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES IN RUMI'S "LOVE-AN ESSENCE OF ALL RELIGIONS"

Abstract

This research seeks to examine how Jalaluddin Rumi used language and imagery in his poem "Love-An Essence Of All Religions" to question the importance of external religious rituals and emphasize love as a uniting power that transcends different religions. The study of a passage from the poem was guided by the theoretical framework of Critical Discourse study (CDA) power relations and ideologies proposed by Fairclough (1995) emphasized the importance of understanding the historical and social context in which a text is produced and disclosing the complexities of language's power relations into discourse characteristics by Van Dijk (2001). The study design used a qualitative methodology, specifically examining the language choices, metaphors, and images present in the chosen passage. The primary data source for this study was the poem "Love-An Essence Of All Religions" by Jalaluddin Rumi, as translated by Dr. Nicholson.  The process of data analysis included meticulous examination and use of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) methodologies to discern the specific ways in which these aspects contribute to the overall message conveyed in the poem. The results indicated that Rumi utilizes metaphors to portray the profound impact of love, uses different terminology to distinguish between love and religious activities, emphasizes love as a force that transcends boundaries, and reinterprets potentially unpleasant religious encounters through the lens of love. The combination of these aspects implies a possible threat to existing religious power structures and an advocacy for a more comprehensive approach to spirituality. This research enhances the comprehension of Rumi's literary works and their potential impact on promoting interfaith cooperation. This text showcases the use of language and imagery to analyze and break down theological disparities, while also emphasizing love as a cohesive and uniting element in spiritual encounters.