Finding meaning in meaninglessness: comparative reflections on Rumi and Kafka’s literary thoughts

Nusrat, Zubaida and Abdul Rahim, Adibah (2024) Finding meaning in meaninglessness: comparative reflections on Rumi and Kafka’s literary thoughts. International Journal of Literature Studies, 3 (4). pp. 74-83. ISSN 2754-2610

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Abstract

This paper examines the metaphysical concept of ‘finding meaning in meaninglessness’ as reflectedin the selected works of Jalal Ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a thirteenth-century Persian poet, and Franz Kafka, a modernist Jewish author of the 20th century from Prague. The analysis compares their insights on hope and despair, showing how two literary figures from different eras and religio-cultural traditions address the challenge of finding significance in a meaningless reality. During moments of existential uncertainty, Rumi focuses on the importance of moving beyond the ego to achieve unity with the divine to find true purpose in life; whereas Kafka’s absurdist narratives reveal the profound alienation and anxiety of living, emphasizing the challenge ofsearching meaning in a complex and indifferent situation. Rumi's approach is grounded in Islamic mysticismand spiritual enlightenment, while Kafka's perspective is marked by Judaic esotericism, existential dread, and the absurdity of existence. Although Rumi’s spiritual optimism and Kafka’s bleak view of existence highlight their differences, both are essential for understanding the broader human condition or experiences of seeking meaning in life, particularly in the context of spiritualand existential crises arising from modernity

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Jalal Ad-Din Rumi, Franz Kafka, meaning, absurdity, human condition
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Usul al-Din and Comparative Religion Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences
Depositing User:	Dr Adibah Abdul Rahim
Date Deposited:	16 Jan 2025 15:25
Last Modified:	16 Jan 2025 15:27
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/118421

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