This 14th-century biography of Jalal al-Din-e Rumi, the greatest Persian mystic and profound poet, is a compendium of Sufi-style stories about his practises, teachings and his poetry. The work contains chapters on Rumi's father, Shams al-Din (his great inspiration), as well as Sultan Veled, his son and Amir `Aref, grandson. The work is a major historical source of the Mevlevi Tradition, and in general, Sufi ideas and literature.

Aflākī came to Konya serving as a disciple of Shaykh Awlā ʿĀref Čelebī until the latter’s death (719/1319). He then followed his successors, ʿĀbed Čelebī (d. 739/1338) and prince ʿĀdel Čelebī (d. 769/1368). During this period he occupied himself with writing this book which allows us a vivid insight into Maulana Rumi's life in Konya with his dervishes. Shams al-din Ahmad Aflaki left his body on 30th Raǰab 761 / 17 June 1360 CE.