Reflection of the concept of spiritual self -care from Rumi's perspective in Mathnawi

This study aims to explore and reconceptualize the notion of spiritual self-care based on the teachings of Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi as presented in the Masnavi. In terms of purpose, this research is classified as a basic (fundamental) study. Regarding its nature and data collection procedure, it adopts a qualitative research design employing thematic analysis. Given the mystical nature of the text, each verse (bayt) was considered the smallest meaningful unit and served as the unit of analysis. The research corpus consisted of the complete six books of the Masnavi and the six-volume commentary by Karim Zamani. Using purposive sampling, the entire six books of the Masnavi together with Zamani's six-volume commentary were selected for analysis. Data analysis was conducted through three stages of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The findings reveal that spiritual self-care in Rumi's Masnavi constitutes a multidimensional construct comprising nine subthemes: knowledge of God; understanding the spiritual realm; belief in the Hereafter and accountability for one's deeds; practical recommendations for one's relationship with God; practical recommendations for self-relationship and self-cultivation; practical recommendations for interaction with the universe and other human beings; practical recommendations concerning the spiritual realm; sources of assistance that support individuals on the path of spiritual self-care; and spirituality as the core dimension.