CRITICAL THINKING AND SUFI STORIES: THE ROLE OF 'MASNAVI MA'NAVI' IN MODERN EDUCATION
Keywords:
Sufism, Masnavi Ma’navi, Jalal al-Din Rumi, critical thinking, modern education, storytelling, spiritual literature, ethics, narrative pedagogy, cultural literacy, emotional intelligence.Abstract
This article examines the educational relevance of Masnavi Ma’navi, the classical Sufi poetic work by Jalal al-Din Rumi, in fostering critical thinking in modern classrooms. Through an exploration of its narrative techniques—such as allegory, paradox, and moral ambiguity—the article highlights how Sufi storytelling can enhance intellectual engagement, ethical reflection, and emotional intelligence among students. It argues that integrating such spiritual literature into contemporary curricula can provide learners with the tools to navigate complexity, question assumptions, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
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