Khwāja Shams-ud-Dīn Muḥammad Ḥāfeẓ-e Shīrāzī (1320–89,) known by his nom de plume Ḥāfeẓ, is one of the most beloved lyrical poets of Persia. He is considered one of the seven literary wonders of the world.
Born in Shīrāz in South-central Iran, Ḥāfeẓ is highly regarded for having perfected the short lyrical poem called ghazal, resembling the English sonnet. Although his penname means “He Who Can Recite the Qur’an From Memory;” Ḥāfeẓ was patently untraditional in his interpretation of the Islāmic holy book.
Ḥāfeẓ’s 500 verses exude mystical love and philosophical depth. The Fal-e Ḥāfeẓ is a Persian tradition in which a reader, when confronting a difficulty or at an important juncture in life, seeks Ḥāfeẓ for advice. Treating Ḥāfeẓ’s poems as an oracle, the first line upon which the reader’s eyes fall answers the direct question, and the rest of the Ghazal gives further clarification.
The American transcendentalist essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson and the German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe both translated Ḥāfeẓ. Emerson said of Ḥāfeẓ, “He fears nothing. He sees too far, he sees throughout; such is the only man I wish to see or be,” and, “Ḥāfeẓ is a poet for poets.” Goethe declared, “Ḥāfeẓ has no peer.”
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Hafez
This place where you are right now, God circled on a map for you.
—Hafez
I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing Light of your own Being.
—Hafez
Fear is the cheapest room in the house.I would like to see you living in better conditions.
—Hafez
Topics: Fear, Courage
Greatness is always built on this foundation: the ability to appear, speak and act, as the most common man.
—Hafez
One regret dear world, that I am determined not to have when I am lying on my deathbed is that I did not kiss you enough.
—Hafez
Topics: Remorse, Regret, Disappointment
In time of trouble avert not thy face from hope, for the soft marrow abideth in the hard bone.
—Hafez
Topics: Hope
On the neck of a young man sparkles no gem so gracious as enterprise.
—Hafez
Topics: Youth
Be content with what thou hast received, and smooth thy frowning forehead.
—Hafez
Topics: Appreciation, Blessings, Gratitude
There is an ambush everywhere from the army of accidents; therefore the rider of life runs with loosened reins.
—Hafez
Topics: Misfortune
When all your desires are distilled you will cast just two votes: To love more, and be happy.
—Hafez
Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth,’You owe me.’ Look what happens with a love like that, it lights the whole sky.
—Hafez
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