Me And — Rumi: The Autobiography Of Shams-i Tabrizi

: The book reveals a personality that is simultaneously harsh and gentle, learned and irreverent, and profoundly outspoken—contrasting with many common stereotypes. Major Themes

: Chittick translated roughly two-thirds of the original Maqalat , arranging them thematically to make the otherwise fragmented notes readable for a modern audience. Me and Rumi: The Autobiography of Shams-I Tabrizi

Before the publication of this work, Shams-i Tabrizi was largely known to the Western world through the eyes of Rumi or the myths created by hagiographers. Me and Rumi provides a direct, first-hand account of Shams through notes taken by Rumi's circle during their private conversations. : The book reveals a personality that is

: Shams portrays love as a divine, purifying fire that connects the soul directly to God, often bypassing the limitations of the intellect. Me and Rumi provides a direct, first-hand account

: Shams advocates for silence as the true "language of God," emphasizing that divine connection is found in stillness rather than outward rituals.