بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Khājeh Shams-od-Dīn Moḥammad Ḥāfeẓ-e Shīrāzī (Persian: خواجه شمس‌‌الدین محمد حافظ شیرازی), known by his pen name Hafez (حافظ Ḥāfeẓ lit. 'the memorizer' or 'the (safe) keeper'; 1325–1390) or Hafiz, is an influential figure in Sufi literature, and himself is known to be a Sufi possessing the gifts of the oracles, as Lisän al-Ghayb, tongue of the unseen.
Hafez’s Ghazal 5
دل می‌رود ز دستم صاحب‌دلان خدا را
دردا که راز پنهان خواهد شد آشکارا
My heart slips from my grasp—O wise ones, for God's sake,
Alas, the hidden secret is on the verge of being revealed.
Alas, the hidden secret is on the verge of being revealed.
کشتی‌شکستگانیم ای بادِ شُرطِه برخیز
باشد که باز بینم دیدار آشنا را
We are shipwrecked souls—O eastern wind, rise and blow,
Perhaps I may once more behold a familiar face.
Perhaps I may once more behold a familiar face.
ده‌روزه مِهرِ گردون افسانه است و افسون
نیکی به جای یاران فرصت شمار یارا
The love of fortune is fleeting, nothing more than a fable and illusion.
O friend, cherish the chance to show kindness while it remains.
O friend, cherish the chance to show kindness while it remains.
در حلقهٔ گل و مُل خوش خواند دوش بلبل
هاتِ الصَّبُوحَ هُبّوا یا ایُّها السُّکارا
Among the flowers and the scent of wine, the nightingale sang last night:
"Bring forth the morning drink! Awake, O intoxicated ones!"
"Bring forth the morning drink! Awake, O intoxicated ones!"
ای صاحب کرامت شُکرانهٔ سلامت
روزی تَفَقُّدی کن درویشِ بی‌نوا را
روزی تَفَقُّدی کن درویشِ بی‌نوا را
O one blessed with grace, if you are grateful for your well-being,
Spare a thought, one day, for the destitute and weary.
Spare a thought, one day, for the destitute and weary.
آسایش دو گیتی تفسیرِ این دو حرف است
با دوستان مُروّت با دشمنان مُدارا
The peace of both this world and the next lies in these two principles:
Honor in friendship, patience in enmity.
Honor in friendship, patience in enmity.
در کویِ نیک‌نامی ما را گذر ندادند
گر تو نمی‌پسندی تغییر کن قضا را
They did not allow me entry into the path of the virtuous.
If you disapprove, then change the decree of fate.
If you disapprove, then change the decree of fate.
آن تلخ‌وَش که صوفی اُم‌ُّالخَبائِثَش خواند
اَشهیٰ لَنا و اَحلیٰ مِن قُبلَةِ العَذارا
That bitter drink, which the ascetic calls the "mother of all evils,"
For us, is sweeter and more desirable than a maiden’s kiss.
For us, is sweeter and more desirable than a maiden’s kiss.
هنگامِ تنگ‌دستی در عیش کوش و مستی
کاین کیمیایِ هستی قارون کُنَد گدا را
In times of hardship, seek joy and intoxication,
For this alchemy of existence can turn a beggar into a king.
For this alchemy of existence can turn a beggar into a king.
سرکش مشو که چون شمع از غیرتت بسوزد
دلبر که در کف او موم است سنگِ خارا
Do not be arrogant, for like a candle, you may burn with jealousy,
While the beloved holds even the hardest stone like wax in their hands.
While the beloved holds even the hardest stone like wax in their hands.
آیینهٔ سِکَندر جامِ می است بنگر
تا بر تو عرضه دارد احوالِ مُلکِ دارا
The goblet of wine is Alexander’s mirror—look into it,
That it may show you the fate of the kingdom of Darius.
That it may show you the fate of the kingdom of Darius.
خوبان پارسی‌گو بخشندگانِ عمرند
ساقی بده بشارت رندانِ پارسا را
The Persian-speaking beauties are givers of life,
O cupbearer, bring good news to the wandering souls of devotion.
O cupbearer, bring good news to the wandering souls of devotion.
حافظ به خود نپوشید این خرقهٔ مِی‌ْآلود
ای شیخِ پاک‌دامن معذور دار ما را
Hafez did not wear this wine-stained robe by mere whim,
O chaste elder, grant me your pardon.
A Deep Dive into Hafez’s Ghazal 5: Love, Suffering, and the Beauty of Life
Hafez’s poetry is a delicate interplay of love, longing, wisdom, and defiance against fate. In this ghazal, he explores the bittersweet nature of love, the transience of the world, the necessity of kindness, and the art of finding joy even in hardship. His words are imbued with metaphors that go beyond mere romantic love, often reflecting spiritual yearning, the fleeting nature of human attachments, and a philosophical approach to life’s challenges.
1. Love and Longing
O chaste elder, grant me your pardon.
A Deep Dive into Hafez’s Ghazal 5: Love, Suffering, and the Beauty of Life
Hafez’s poetry is a delicate interplay of love, longing, wisdom, and defiance against fate. In this ghazal, he explores the bittersweet nature of love, the transience of the world, the necessity of kindness, and the art of finding joy even in hardship. His words are imbued with metaphors that go beyond mere romantic love, often reflecting spiritual yearning, the fleeting nature of human attachments, and a philosophical approach to life’s challenges.
1. Love and Longing
دل می‌رود ز دستم صاحب‌دلان خدا را
دردا که راز پنهان خواهد شد آشکارا
"My heart slips from my grasp—O wise ones, for God's sake,
Alas, the hidden secret is on the verge of being revealed."
Hafez begins with intense emotion, describing how love has overwhelmed him, making him lose control over his heart. The phrase "راز پنهان" (hidden secret) suggests a deep, concealed love, for the divine. The tension between concealment and revelation highlights the emotional turmoil that love often brings.
Alas, the hidden secret is on the verge of being revealed."
Hafez begins with intense emotion, describing how love has overwhelmed him, making him lose control over his heart. The phrase "راز پنهان" (hidden secret) suggests a deep, concealed love, for the divine. The tension between concealment and revelation highlights the emotional turmoil that love often brings.
2. The Hope of Reunion and the Pain of Separation
کشتی‌شکستگانیم ای بادِ شُرطِه برخیز
باشد که باز بینم دیدار آشنا را
"We are shipwrecked souls—O eastern wind, rise and blow,
Perhaps I may once more behold a familiar face."
Hafez likens himself to a shipwrecked traveler, lost in the stormy seas of love and fate. The eastern wind (باد شرطه) is a hopeful symbol, representing an external force that could reunite him with his beloved or restore what has been lost. This longing is not just personal but universal—everyone has a face they yearn to see again.
Perhaps I may once more behold a familiar face."
Hafez likens himself to a shipwrecked traveler, lost in the stormy seas of love and fate. The eastern wind (باد شرطه) is a hopeful symbol, representing an external force that could reunite him with his beloved or restore what has been lost. This longing is not just personal but universal—everyone has a face they yearn to see again.
3. The Illusions of the World and the Importance of Friendship
ده‌روزه مِهرِ گردون افسانه است و افسون
نیکی به جای یاران فرصت شمار یارا
"The love of fortune is fleeting, nothing more than a fable and illusion.
O friend, cherish the chance to show kindness while it remains."
Here, Hafez addresses the fleeting nature of worldly love and success. The phrase "ده‌روزه مهر گردون" (ten-day love of fate) emphasizes how quickly fortune and affections change. Instead of chasing illusions, he advises focusing on kindness and true friendships, as these are the only things that endure.
O friend, cherish the chance to show kindness while it remains."
Here, Hafez addresses the fleeting nature of worldly love and success. The phrase "ده‌روزه مهر گردون" (ten-day love of fate) emphasizes how quickly fortune and affections change. Instead of chasing illusions, he advises focusing on kindness and true friendships, as these are the only things that endure.
4. Celebration of Life in the Face of Hardship
در حلقهٔ گل و مُل خوش خواند دوش بلبل
هاتِ الصَّبُوحَ هُبّوا یا ایُّها السُّکارا
"Among the flowers and the scent of wine, the nightingale sang last night:
'Bring forth the morning drink! Awake, O intoxicated ones!'"
Hafez often uses wine as a metaphor for ecstasy, joy, and spiritual enlightenment. Here, the nightingale, a symbol of the soul or the poet, urges people to rise and enjoy life before it slips away. The intoxication he speaks of is a metaphor for divine love or the intoxicating nature of beauty and poetry.
'Bring forth the morning drink! Awake, O intoxicated ones!'"
Hafez often uses wine as a metaphor for ecstasy, joy, and spiritual enlightenment. Here, the nightingale, a symbol of the soul or the poet, urges people to rise and enjoy life before it slips away. The intoxication he speaks of is a metaphor for divine love or the intoxicating nature of beauty and poetry.
5. Gratitude and Compassion
ای صاحب کرامت شُکرانهٔ سلامت
روزی تَفَقُّدی کن درویشِ بی‌نوا را
روزی تَفَقُّدی کن درویشِ بی‌نوا را
"O one blessed with grace, if you are grateful for your well-being,
Spare a thought, one day, for the destitute and weary."
This verse speaks to the importance of generosity and gratitude. Hafez reminds those who are fortunate to share their blessings with the less fortunate. True gratitude is not just a feeling—it is expressed through action. This reflects the Sufi ideal of selflessness and compassion.
Spare a thought, one day, for the destitute and weary."
This verse speaks to the importance of generosity and gratitude. Hafez reminds those who are fortunate to share their blessings with the less fortunate. True gratitude is not just a feeling—it is expressed through action. This reflects the Sufi ideal of selflessness and compassion.
6. The Secret to Peace in Life
آسایش دو گیتی تفسیرِ این دو حرف است
با دوستان مُروّت با دشمنان مُدارا
"The peace of both this world and the next lies in these two principles:
Honor in friendship, patience in enmity."
One of Hafez’s most famous pieces of wisdom, this verse captures a simple yet profound philosophy for life. The two essential virtues are:
1. Muruwwat (مروت) – Nobility and kindness in friendships.
2. Mudara (مدارا) – Forbearance and patience toward one’s enemies.
Following these principles, he suggests, leads to inner and outer harmony.
Honor in friendship, patience in enmity."
One of Hafez’s most famous pieces of wisdom, this verse captures a simple yet profound philosophy for life. The two essential virtues are:
1. Muruwwat (مروت) – Nobility and kindness in friendships.
2. Mudara (مدارا) – Forbearance and patience toward one’s enemies.
Following these principles, he suggests, leads to inner and outer harmony.
7. Defiance Against Fate
در کویِ نیک‌نامی ما را گذر ندادند
گر تو نمی‌پسندی تغییر کن قضا را
"They did not allow me entry into the path of the virtuous.
If you disapprove, then change the decree of fate."
This verse is bold and rebellious. Hafez critiques societal or divine forces that prevent people from achieving virtue or success. His sarcastic remark about changing fate challenges both social and divine determinism, emphasizing his refusal to accept rigid moral judgments.
If you disapprove, then change the decree of fate."
This verse is bold and rebellious. Hafez critiques societal or divine forces that prevent people from achieving virtue or success. His sarcastic remark about changing fate challenges both social and divine determinism, emphasizing his refusal to accept rigid moral judgments.
8. The Sweetness of the Forbidden
آن تلخ‌وَش که صوفی اُم‌ُّالخَبائِثَش خواند
اَشهیٰ لَنا و اَحلیٰ مِن قُبلَةِ العَذارا
اَشهیٰ لَنا و اَحلیٰ مِن قُبلَةِ العَذارا
"That bitter drink, which the ascetic calls the 'mother of all evils,'
For us, is sweeter and more desirable than a maiden’s kiss."
Hafez criticizes religious hypocrisy, and the lack of knowledge about the Drink of Gnosis, or Ma'arifah. To him, what is forbidden by the ascetics is what brings joy of union. This line reflects a larger Sufi philosophy—true spirituality is about inner truth, not rigid dogma.
For us, is sweeter and more desirable than a maiden’s kiss."
Hafez criticizes religious hypocrisy, and the lack of knowledge about the Drink of Gnosis, or Ma'arifah. To him, what is forbidden by the ascetics is what brings joy of union. This line reflects a larger Sufi philosophy—true spirituality is about inner truth, not rigid dogma.
9. The Alchemy of Joy in Hardship
هنگامِ تنگ‌دستی در عیش کوش و مستی
کاین کیمیایِ هستی قارون کُنَد گدا را
"In times of hardship, seek joy and intoxication,
For this alchemy of existence can turn a beggar into a king."
Even in poverty or suffering, Hafez advises embracing joy and celebration. He sees joy as a transformative force, capable of elevating even the most downtrodden. This is a radical rejection of despair, advocating resilience through happiness.
For this alchemy of existence can turn a beggar into a king."
Even in poverty or suffering, Hafez advises embracing joy and celebration. He sees joy as a transformative force, capable of elevating even the most downtrodden. This is a radical rejection of despair, advocating resilience through happiness.
10. Love’s Power Over the Proud
سرکش مشو که چون شمع از غیرتت بسوزد
دلبر که در کف او موم است سنگِ خارا
"Do not be arrogant, for like a candle, you may burn with jealousy,
While the beloved holds even the hardest stone like wax in their hands."
Hafez warns against pride and possessiveness in love. The beloved has a power that melts even the hardest hearts, while jealous lovers destroy themselves with their own fire.
11. Wisdom Through the Wine Cup
While the beloved holds even the hardest stone like wax in their hands."
Hafez warns against pride and possessiveness in love. The beloved has a power that melts even the hardest hearts, while jealous lovers destroy themselves with their own fire.
11. Wisdom Through the Wine Cup
آیینهٔ سِکَندر جامِ می است بنگر
تا بر تو عرضه دارد احوالِ مُلکِ دارا
"The goblet of wine is Alexander’s mirror—look into it,
That it may show you the fate of the kingdom of Darius."
Wine once again represents gnosis, knowledge, wisdom and reflection. The reference to Alexander and Darius reminds us that all power is temporary, and true knowledge comes from accepting impermanence.
That it may show you the fate of the kingdom of Darius."
Wine once again represents gnosis, knowledge, wisdom and reflection. The reference to Alexander and Darius reminds us that all power is temporary, and true knowledge comes from accepting impermanence.
12. The True Givers of Life
خوبان پارسی‌گو بخشندگانِ عمرند
ساقی بده بشارت رندانِ پارسا را
"The Persian-speaking beauties are givers of life,
O cupbearer, bring good news to the wandering souls of devotion."
Hafez praises Persian culture and language, seeing it as a source of beauty and life itself. He calls for the celebration of art, love, and poetry.
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Final Thought: A Rebellious Farewell
O cupbearer, bring good news to the wandering souls of devotion."
Hafez praises Persian culture and language, seeing it as a source of beauty and life itself. He calls for the celebration of art, love, and poetry.
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Final Thought: A Rebellious Farewell
حافظ به خود نپوشید این خرقهٔ مِی‌ْآلود
ای شیخِ پاک‌دامن معذور دار ما را
"Hafez did not wear this wine-stained robe by mere whim,
O chaste elder, grant me your pardon."
Here, Hafez criticizes religious authorities, playfully asking for their forgiveness while remaining unapologetic about his choices.
O chaste elder, grant me your pardon."
Here, Hafez criticizes religious authorities, playfully asking for their forgiveness while remaining unapologetic about his choices.
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