In the quiet hours of early mornings, or before iftar and sunrise, I find that one of the best ways to spend Ramadan is to swim in the beauty and magic of spiritual poetry. There is no better time in the year where you can enjoy listening to the sounds of every letter and word, and taste the deep religious meanings that they carry. Over the centuries, poetry has always been at the heart of Arabic language, and was instrumental to helping people express their devotion to God through metaphors and symbols. This poetic tradition took hybrid forms in different languages and places, such as in Iran, where Muslim poets such as Jalāl al-Dīn Rumi and Shams al-Dīn Hafez gained immense popularity for their soft and romantic styles. Ramadan is a chance for many believers to delve into the mysteries of existence and go beyond the routines of everyday life. Many have no clue or clear answers as to why life is shaped the way it is, but between the things a person must do in a day, from waking up and going to work, and the riddle of existence,…
