Jalal ad-Din Rumi

"Iran's officially recognized 'spiritual leader' today may be Ayatollah Khamenei, but for hundreds of years before the current establishment of mullahs and ayatollahs, Iranians of all creeds have looked to another spiritual leader," writes the mellifluously named Melody Moezzi — Iranians find Rumi's voice is their own. "Among Iranians, he is a spiritual guide and guru whose words hold unmatched moral authority."

Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened. Don't
open the door to the study and begin reading. Take down a musical
instrument. Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds
of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.

"Understand this poem," she writes, "and you will understand the soul of Iran - not just the role of religion or dogma, but the spiritual role of faith, love and beauty."