Photography inspiration from Rumi

When words enhance photographs

Jun 15, 2024

For as long as I can remember I have been a huge fan of Rumi, the Sufi saint and poet from 13^th century Persia. His poetry has this incredible ability to captivate one with its sheer beauty and profound insights about life. Rumi’s association with Shams of Tabriz, a wandering dervish made him discover Sufism, a religion that emphasises love, unity, and tolerance. Sometimes when I think about photography, I often find myself turning to Rumi's words for inspiration. His poetry is imbued with great wisdom and also possess a lyrical quality that resonates deeply with me. And so I thought I would showcase some photographs along with lines from Rumi’s poetry in today’s newsletter.

**Rumi: In your light I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest where no-one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art.**

**Rumi: And you? When will you begin that long journey into yourself.**

Rumi's poetry transcends time and feels relevant even today. His work is extremely popular and is celebrated by diverse people because it touches on various aspects of life. Rumi has talked about divine love, freedom, suffering, spirituality and much more in his poetry. I have often thought about how Rumi’s poetry and photography share some similarities. For instance, both aim to capture the essence or soul of a moment. Rumi also uses metaphors of light and shadow, which photographers understand as crucial elements in their craft.

**Rumi: At the end of my life, with just one breath left if you come, I’ll sit up and sing.**

**Rumi: Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.**

**Rumi: Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.**

Juxtaposing Rumi's poetry with photographs makes the overall viewing experience more immersive and profound. Witnessing an image that is framed with Rumi’s lines intensifies the emotional impact to create something more beautiful. Over a period of time, lines that have been taken from his works have become very popular quotes. Personally, Rumi's words offer me comfort in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming and chaotic. Through his works I feel he moves us towards healing, inspiration and self-reflection.