Rumi calls the youth not to despair, but to respond — to answer that call deep inside that longs for justice, progress, and authenticity
By Abdullah Usman Morai
In a world increasingly dominated by power struggles and political theatrics, the soul often craves a deeper language—one that speaks not just to the mind, but to the heart. The 13th-century mystic poet Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī, known simply as Rumi, offers us this language. His words, etched in divine wisdom and soaked in spiritual clarity, continue to whisper truth into the ears of modern humanity. And perhaps there is no better time to hear them than now, when the fabric of leadership feels stretched, and the soul of democracy thirsts for sincerity.
Let us take a journey through some of Rumi’s most heart-touching quotes and explore how they breathe new life into our understanding of leadership, governance, and the role of the voter.
Leadership Beyond Status
“You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?” – Rumi
Leadership is not about prestige; it’s about purpose. Yet, in many parts of the world, political nominations are handed not to the capable but to the connected. Dynasties and status symbols replace merit and vision. Rumi’s words remind us that we are all born with wings — not to crawl for power, but to soar for progress. True leaders are those who rise, not by stepping over others, but by lifting them.
The flight of a genuine leader comes from humility, service, and vision — not designer suits, campaign theatrics, or viral slogans. The question every voter must ask: Is this candidate crawling for control or flying for change?
The Wound of Broken Trust
“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” – Rumi
Every election brings with it a measure of hope. People cast their votes as prayers — wishes folded into paper ballots. But when these hopes are shattered by corruption, neglect, and apathy, it wounds the collective spirit of a nation.
Yet Rumi, in his infinite grace, tells us that even wounds are sacred. For they can become portals of light — places where awareness dawns, and transformation begins. Broken trust may hurt, but it also gives rise to stronger resolve. The wound is where a better democracy is born.
A Voter’s Inner Compass
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.” – Rumi
Amid a flood of propaganda, social media battles, and noisy campaigns, voters often feel lost. But beneath the noise lies a still voice — the voice of conscience. Rumi invites us to listen to that quiet pull, the yearning for justice, dignity, and truth.
Voting, then, is not a mechanical act — it is a spiritual declaration. It is the alignment of values with choices. Let not fear, tribe, or tradition guide your vote — let your deepest love for your country do that. That strange pull, however soft, will never lead you astray.
Responsibility of Political Parties
“Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.” – Rumi
When political parties lose an election, they often respond with blame, denial, or further division. But Rumi teaches us that loss is not the end — it is a hidden doorway to rebirth. Power lost can return, but only if it returns reformed.
Parties must ask: What did we offer the people? Substance or spectacle? Empathy or entitlement? If leadership is treated as inheritance, it may win temporarily but will crumble eventually. Loss can be a gift — a second chance to choose differently, to return not as rulers but as servants.
A Call to Youth
“Respond to every call that excites your spirit.” – Rumi
Young people are often told politics is dirty, disillusioning, and not worth their time. But this cynicism is dangerous. If the purest hearts withdraw, the worst voices will dominate.
Rumi calls the youth not to despair, but to respond — to answer that call deep inside that longs for justice, progress, and authenticity. It’s not about becoming politicians overnight. It’s about caring, questioning, and participating. Whether by voting, debating, or organizing, every act of engaged citizenship is a response to that inner call.
And if you feel your heart breaking over the state of things, remember:
“You have to keep breaking your heart until it opens.” – Rumi
A Democracy of the Soul
Rumi doesn’t offer political advice in the traditional sense. What he offers is deeper: a democracy of the soul. A call to awaken — not just to vote, but to care, to reflect, to demand better, and to be better.
He writes:
“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.”
Your voice matters. Your values matter. The world changes not just through revolutions, but through realization — when ordinary citizens start living with extraordinary clarity.
So as election seasons come and go, let’s remember Rumi’s gift: to see beyond slogans and symbols, and to vote not just with ink, but with intention.
Let’s reclaim leadership as service, loss as learning, and democracy as a dance of awakened souls.
Read: In Search of the Ideal Leader
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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.
