Point of View

The author lived during the first half of the 1200s AD. He spent the majority of his life dwelling in a land called Konya. This location is part of what is now known as the nation of Turkey. During his era, the Byzantine Empire existed. Also, his name means "Roman of Antulla", which is a direct and overt reference to the Roman Empire. The Eastern portion of the Roman Empire had not yet become "a laughingstock", or anything of the sort.

There was intense religious conflict during the time of Rumi's life. In fact, this was the era of what the European Crusades. This suggests to readers why those writing from within that period of time and culture might have been definitely emotionally aroused by the author's extensive use of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim prophets. He also treated Hinduism and other religions with inclusive tolerance.

The...