The Feats of the Knowers of God cover

The Feats of the Knowers of God

by Shams Al-Din Ahmad Aflaki

This 14th-century biography of Jalal al-Din-e Rumi, the greatest Persian mystic and profound poet, is a compendium of Sufi-style stories about his practises, teachings and his poetry. The work contains chapters on Rumi's father, Shams al-Din (his great inspiration), as well as Sultan Veled, his son and Amir `Aref, grandson. The work is a major historical source of the Mevlevi Tradition, and in general, Sufi ideas and literature. Aflākī came to Konya serving as a disciple of Shaykh Awlā ʿĀref Čelebī until the latter’s death (719/1319). He then followed his successors, ʿĀbed Čelebī (d. 739/1338) and prince ʿĀdel Čelebī (d. 769/1368). During this period he occupied himself with writing this book which allows us a vivid insight into Maulana Rumi's life in Konya with his dervishes. Shams al-din Ahmad Aflaki left his body on 30th Raǰab 761 / 17 June 1360 CE.

Chappie’s discussion starters

🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.

  1. Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
  2. Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
  3. What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
  4. If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
  5. Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?