An Analytical View toward the Spiritual Relationship between Sultān Walad and Elders of Mowlawiya Order

Bahā al-dīn Muhammad- known as Sultān Walad- is considered as one of the founders of the Mawlawiya order. He always reveres and respects the elders of Mawlawiye and follows their orders. He was not only the student of his father Jalal al-din Rumi but also a follower of Seyyed Borhān al-Din Mohaqeq Termezi. He was one of those who realized the reality of Shams Tabrīzī and Shams Tabrīzī also communicated the divine secrets to his heart. Moreover، Sultān Walad was satisfied with the Salāh al-din Zarkub caliphate and called him the ruler of the universe and believed in his uniqueness. Also، he was a follower of Hesām al-din Chalabī and believed that through his guidance and sanctity one can receive Allah. After Hesām al-din death he lost his delightful leader and mourned and grieved a lot. However، Hesām al-din came to his dream and directed him toward Karim al-din Bektamer. Although Sultān Walad gained a lot from him during seven years، he didn’t introduce him to his followers. There are several reasons why he did so from our point of view: 1- the utmost adoration of followers of Sultān Walad to him; 2- the desire of Sultān Walad to show the holiness of Rumi family; 3- the social power of Sultān Walad and Karim al-din reputation avoidance and; 4- the mystical beliefs of Sultan Walad. In this article we will try to delineate the spiritual relationships of Sultān Walad and elders of Mawlawiya order.