Care Ethics and Rumi’s Moral System: A Comparative Reading in Light of Feminine and Maternal Elements

This interdisciplinary study in the field of literature and the humanities presents a comparative examination of the ethics of care and Rumi’s moral system. The aim is to test the hypothesis that the “feminine” and “maternal” elements emphasized in the ethics of care—such as emotional sensitivity, empathy, and the valuing of human relationships—can also be attributed to Rumi’s ethical thought. The research method is a qualitative content analysis of Rumi’s works, focusing on both his poetry and prose, and a conceptual comparison with the theoretical foundations of the ethics of care in contemporary moral philosophy. The analysis reveals similarities such as a tendency to avoid rigid moral rules, a prioritization of lived experience, and an emphasis on emotional bonds. Moreover, Rumi’s ambivalent discourse on women—ranging from praise to critique—is interpreted either as a distinction between personal belief and the social norms of his time, or as a reflection of the symbolic necessities of literary expression. The findings indicate that despite the patriarchal context of Rumi’s era, his moral system at its core resonates with the feminine and maternal values of the ethics of care and shows potential for dialogue with modern ethical theories. This conclusion highlights not only the spiritual richness of Rumi’s thought but also the possibility of a constructive exchange between mystical tradition and contemporary approaches in the humanities.

کلیدواژه ها:

Rumi ، Mysticism ، Ethics ، Care Ethics ، Feminist Perspective