JALL, al-Dn Rm (1207-1273):
MUSLIM MYSTIC and the founder of the Mwlawi Order in Islam
commonly known as the "Whirling Dervish." His most famous work is the Mathnawi
which contains stories interspersed with THEOLOGICAL discussions. His mystical theology
sees the world as being created for man as a microcosm which reflects the ATTRIBUTES of
GOD. Although men can choose GOOD and EVIL and are responsible for their actions, the
religious RITES are obligatory. The aim of life is to love God and through devotion lose
one's individuality by being absorbed into God. His theology has a distinctly PANTHEISTIC
tinge which also sees an the essential unity of all religions.
