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Hafez

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Hafez Shirazi was a master of Persian lyric poetry.

Depiction of Hafiz, painted by Sultan Muhammad circa 1531, Cartier Hafiz
Depiction of Hafiz, painted by Sultan Muhammad circa 1531, Cartier Hafiz

His work is considered a pinnacle of Persian literature. Many Iranians keep his collected poems in their homes. They use his verses as everyday proverbs and sayings. His writing has influenced Persian literature more than any other author since the 14th century. His most famous work is the Divan. This is a collection of his surviving poems. Most scholars believe the Divan was compiled after his death.

Hafez primarily wrote in the genre of ghazals. A ghazal is a type of lyric poetry. This style is ideal for expressing the ecstasy of divine inspiration. Hafez was a Sufi, which is a mystical branch of Islam. His poems often use the themes of the beloved, faith, and exposing hypocrisy. He frequently mentions wine and taverns. In his work, these subjects represent religious ecstasy and freedom from restraint. Some scholars describe his art as theosophical. In the 13th and 14th centuries, this term meant works inspired by Islamic holy books.

Very few historical details about his early life are certain.

Hafis Abu Ishaq
Hafis Abu Ishaq

Many accounts rely on traditional anecdotes rather than proven facts. One legend says he memorized the Quran at a young age. This achievement earned him the title Hafez, which he used as his pen name. Another tradition claims he worked in a bakery before becoming a Sufi. It is said he met a beautiful woman named Shakh-e Nabat while delivering bread. These stories suggest his mystical journey began with earthly love. At age 60, he reportedly performed a chilla-nashini. This was a 40-day and 40-night spiritual vigil.

Hafez lived during a period of shifting political power. He received patronage from several different local regimes. He was supported by Shah Abu Ishaq and the ruler Shah Shuja. His work flourished most during the 27-year rule of Shah Shuja. He also interacted with the powerful ruler Timur. One famous tale describes a confrontation between the two. Timur was angry that Hafez would trade cities like Samarkand for a girl's beauty. Hafez gave a clever response that pleased the ruler. Modern scholars estimate he was born between 1315 and 1320. He died around the year 1390.

Today, the Divan of Hafez exists in many different versions. These editions vary in size from 573 to 994 poems. Two highly regarded modern editions were compiled in 1941. These were created by Allame Mohammad Qazvini and Qāsem Ghani. Their version contains 495 ghazals. Another major edition was compiled by Parviz Natel-Khanlari. That version contains 486 ghazals. Since 1941, researchers have found more than 14 earlier texts. However, the relationships between these ancient texts are still being studied by scholars.

Hafez remains a central figure in Iranian culture.

Tomb of Hafez, Shiraz 03
Tomb of Hafez, Shiraz 03

October 12 is even celebrated as Hafez Day in Iran. His influence is seen in Persian traditional music and calligraphy. People also use his poems for bibliomancy. This is a form of divination where people seek guidance from books. During Yalda Night, families open the Divan to a random page. They believe the poem on that page predicts the future. His tomb in Shiraz is a major site for visitors.

Hafis-Goethe-Denkmal in Weimar
Hafis-Goethe-Denkmal in Weimar

The current mausoleum was designed by André Godard in the late 1930s. It sits among rose gardens, orange trees, and water channels.

His poetic legacy has spread across the entire world.

European scholars began translating his work in the 17th century. Francois de Mesgnien Meninski was the first to translate his poems. Later, Thomas Hyde translated them into Latin around 1690. The first English translation appeared in 1771 by William Jones. Many famous Western writers were inspired by his talent. These include Ralph Waldo Emerson and W. B. Yeats. Even the character Sherlock Holmes mentions his wisdom. His work continues to connect people across many different languages and cultures.

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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:Divan-of-Hafiz-1842-Doublures.jpg
Divan-of-Hafiz-1842-Doublures.jpg
File:Depiction of Hafiz, painted by Sultan Muhammad circa 1531, Cartier Hafiz.jpg
Depiction of Hafiz, painted by Sultan...
File:شعر میهای چوکونائی ویتز.jpg
شعر میهای چوکونائی ویتز.jpg
File:Annual celebration of the Chelcharagh magazine (22 8610030051 L600).jpg
Annual celebration of the Chelcharagh...
File:Hafis Abu Ishaq.png
Hafis Abu Ishaq.png
File:Hafis-Goethe-Denkmal in Weimar.jpg
Hafis-Goethe-Denkmal in Weimar.jpg
File:Tomb of Hafez, Shiraz 03.jpg
Tomb of Hafez, Shiraz 03.jpg
File:Hafiz Goethe.JPG
Hafiz Goethe.JPG
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