I hope you all are doing great!! I’m so excited to share my thoughts with you today about one of my favorite books The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak. This book touched my heart in so many ways nd I can’t wait to tell you why! Whether you’ve already read it or are just curious, I hope this blog brings you inspiration.
Introduction
The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak is one of te most beautiful and thought-provoking books I’ve ever read. It’s a story within a story blending modern life with ancient wisdom. The book follows Ella, a bored housewife who starts working as a reader for a literary agency, where she comes across a manuscript titled Sweet Blasphemy. This manuscript tells the story of the great Sufi poet Rumi nd his spiritual teacher, Shams of Tabriz.
As Ella reads the manuscript, she begins to question her own life, Love nd Purpose. The book is filled with deep lessons, emotional moments nd forty golden rules of love that change the way we see relationships, faith nd self-discovery.
Now, let me share five amazing thoughts from this book that touched my heart.
.... Love is Not Just Romance, It’s a Spiritual Journey
Many people think love is only about romance, but The Forty Rules of Love teaches us that love is much deeper. Shams of Tabriz explains that true love connects us to the Divine. Rumi who was once a strict scholar, transforms into a poet of love because of Shams’ teachings.
This made me realize that love isn’t just about people it’s about kindness, passion nd a connection with the universe.
.... The Importance of Suffering in Growth
One of the most powerful rules in the book is:
"The wound is the place where the light enters you."
Rumi suffers greatly when Shams disappears, but this pain leads him to write his greatest poetry. Similarly, Ella faces struggles in her marriage, but through suffering, she finds her true self.
This taught me that pain is not the enemyit’s a teacher that helps us grow.
.... Breaking Free from Ego
Shams says:
"The ego is a veil between humans & God."
Rumi’s ego as a respected scholar initially stops him from accepting Shams’ wisdom. But when he lets go he becomes enlightened.
In our lives, ego creates conflicts, pride nd separation. If we learn to humble ourselves, we can experience true love & peace. 🕊
... The Rule of Change Nothing Stays the Same
One of the forty rules states:
"Life is a temporary loan nd this world is nothing but a sketchy imitation of reality."
This reminded me that nothing is permanentnot pain, not happiness, not even life itself. Instead of clinging to things, we should flow like water nd embrace change. 🌷
.. Love Without Conditions
The most beautiful lesson in the book is about unconditional love. Shams loves Rumi without expecting anything in return. Similarly, Ella learns that love shouldn’t be about control or fear it should be free & fearless.
This made me think: Do we love people for who they are, or for what they give us? Real love has no conditions.
Final Thoughts
The Forty Rules of Love is more than just a book it’s a guide to living a meaningful life. It taught me about love, suffering, ego, change nd unconditional acceptance.
If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it! And if you have, what’s your favorite rule from the book? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Thank you for reading by blog!