 To many modern Westerners, his teachings are one of the best introductions to the philosophy and practice of [[Sufism]].In the West [[Shahram Shiva]] has been teaching, performing and sharing the translations of the poetry of Rumi for nearly twenty years and has been instrumental in spreading Rumi's legacy in the English-speaking parts of the world.Pakistan's [[National Poet]], [[Muhammad Iqbal]], was also inspired by Rumi's works and considered him to be his spiritual leader, addressing him as "Pir Rumi" in his poems (the honorific "[[Pir (Sufism)|Pir]]" literally means "old man", but in the Sufi/mystic context it means founder, master, or guide).