What is Fale Hafez? How Does It Work?

Update Date: January 11, 2025

Have you ever wondered what is Fale Hafez and why it holds such a special place in Persian culture? In this post, the GetBookOnline.com team of native Persian teachers, who are passionate about helping you learn the Persian language and read about Iran’s culture, will guide you through this fascinating tradition and its role in celebrations like Yalda Night.

Fale Hafez, or “Divination with Hafez,” is a centuries-old practice in Iran where people turn to the poetry of Hafez, one of the greatest Persian poets, for guidance and inspiration. It’s not just about reading poetry—it’s about connecting with the wisdom and mysticism of Hafez’s words to find meaning in your life. Iranians believe his poems can answer personal questions, offering insights into love, hope, and life’s challenges.

This tradition is especially important during Yalda Night, the longest night of the year and a time when families gather to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. As part of the festivities, people often open Divan of Hafez, ask a heartfelt question and interpret the first poem they read as their answer. It’s a moment of reflection, wonder, and cultural connection.

Join us as we explore the magic of Fal-e Hafez, how it’s used, and why it continues to captivate hearts around the world. Whether you’re new to Persian culture or deeply curious about its traditions, understanding Fale Hafez can give you a unique glimpse into the soul of Iran. Stay with us and discover the beauty of this timeless tradition!

Fale Hafez and Its Importance in Iran

Fale Hafez is an ancient tradition in Iranian culture that is rooted in the Divan of Hafez Shirazi, a famous Iranian poet. This poetry book includes the most beautiful mystical, romantic, and poetical verses that are universal. Taking Fal-e Hafez from Divan of Hafiz means seeking guidance and inspiration from the odes of Hafez to address daily issues and make decisions.

Divination of Hafez is not just a custom but refers to the Iranians’ faith in the divinity of Hafez’s poetry. In fact, Hafez is called the Tongue of the Invisible. According to Iranian literature, this title shows that he is connected to the unseen world and knows the mysteries. The popularity of Fale Hafez stems from the timelessness and mystical nature of his poetry.

So Iranian people believe that the poetry of Hafez creates a divine connection with the human subconscious mind to guide him by providing precise responses to his questions. Occasions like Yalda Night (Chelle Night) and the Persian New Year (Nowruz) which are national celebrations of Iran, are important times to practice Fortune Telling of Hafez. In other words, asking Hafez is an inseparable part of these occasions.

Divan of Hafez is a sacred book for Iranians and people use it for their challenging decisions. Fale Hafez is not an entertaining practice, it is a practice to connect the world of Hafez’s poetry. It helps us find the mystical and divine poems that impressed the well-known German poet, Goethe and the American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Divan of Hafez Shirazi for Taking Hafiz Faal

Hafez’s distinguishable book of poetry is Divane Hafez, which consists of poems composed during his life. This Iranian lyric composer concentrated more on Ghazal. Although you can find other formats like Quatrain and Masnavi. Mohammad Golandam collected his poetry and did poetry lovers a heart-warming favor so that everyone could access these spiritual verses.

This famous classic literature book also includes artistic Arabic verses and displays Hafez’s poetic capabilities. Hafez’s Divan includes 500 lyric poems, 42 quatrains, and several poems he composed over 50 years. Hafez composed his poems only in particular moments.

Some of the main features of this valuable book are:

• Visualization and imagination;
• Creativity;
• Eloquent verses;
• Verses’ conciseness and inclusiveness ;
• Melodious verses;
• Employing beautiful allusions.

The History and Origin of Fale Hafez (Hafiz Fortune Telling)

There is a story about the origin of Fale Hafez: Hafez’s first omen was taken hours after his death. After his death, some people prevented him from being buried in Mosalla Cemetery because they believed he was an atheist poet. To solve this problem, they wrote all of Hafez’s poems and put them in a basket. Then, they selected one to ask him and make a decision. Hafez’s answer to people’s request was surprising:

کنون که میدمد از بوستان نسیم بهشت
Ko’nun ke mi’da’mad az bus’tân na’si’me be’hesht
Now, that the fragrant breeze of Paradise bloweth from the rose garden.
من و شراب فرحبخش و یار حورسرشت
Ma’no sha’râ’be fa’rah bakh’sho yâ’re hur se’resht
I and the wine, joy-giving and the Beloved angel (Hur).
گدا چرا نزند لاف سلطنت امروز
Ge’dâ che’râ na’za’nad lâ’fe sal’ta’nat em’ruz
Today, why boasteth not the beggar of empire?
که خیمه سایه ابر است و بزمگه لب کشت
Ke khey’me sa’ye’ye abr as’to bazm’gah la’be kesht
For his pavilion is the Cloud’s shade; and his banquet place, the field’s wide border.
چمن حکایت اردیبهشت میگوید
Cha’man he’kâ’ya’te or’di’be’hesht mi’gu’yad
The sward the Murshid uttereth the tale of glories of the spring month Urdibihisht(April):
نه عاقل است که نسیه خرید و نقد بهشت
Na â’ghel ast ke nes’ye kha’ri’do naghd be’hesht
No Arif is he, who purchased a loan; and let go cash.
به می عمارت دل کن که این جهان خراب
Be mey e’mâ’ra’te del kon ke in ja’hâ’ne kha’râb
With wine make the building(fabric) of the heart. For this evil world

بر آن سر است که از خاك ما بسازد خشت
Bar ân sar ast ke az khâ’ke mâ be’sâ’zad khesht
Is bent on that it may make a brick of our dust.
وفا مجوي ز دشمن که پرتوي ندهد
Va’fâ ma’juy ze dosh’man ke par’tu’vi na’da’had
From the enemy, seek not-fidelity. For, a feeble ray it giveth not,
چو شمع صومعه افروزي از چراغ کنشت
Cho sham’e so’me’e af’ru’zi az che’râ’ghe ke’nesht
When thou kindlest the candle of the cloister of the Muslim from the lamp of the church.
مکن به نامه سیاهی ملامت من مست
Ma’kon be nâ’me si’yâ’hi ma’lâ’ma’te ma’ne mast
For recorded open blackness of sin reproach not me intoxicated:
که آگه است که تقدیر بر سرش چه نوشت
Ke â’gah ast ke tagh’dir bar sa’rash che ne’vesht
Who knoweth what Fate hath written on his fore-head?
قدم دریغ مدار از جنازه حافظ
Gha’dam de’righ ma’dâr az je’nâ’ze’ye hâ’fez
From the bier of Hafiz, keep not back thy foot:
که گرچه غرق گناه است میرود به بهشت
Ke gar’che ghar’ghe go’nâh ast, mi’ra’vad be be’hesht
For though he be immersed in sin, he goeth to paradise.

As a result, the first divination was done to Hafez. Hafez was called the tongue of the unseen on that day because he answered the people’s doubts.

Steps to Take Faleh Hafez Shirazi (Omens of Hafez)

Fale Hafez Shirazi is one of the distinguished Iranian traditions that was popularized after the death of Hafez. The connection between Fale Hafez, mysticism, and critical and sometimes humorous tone of Hafez adds meaning and depth to this kind of Iranian fortune-telling. This timeless tradition is simple and needs some easy steps, including:

• Preparation for taking Fal;
• Reading Fatehe for Hafez (a verse of the Quran);
• Invocation;
• Choosing a poem from Divan of Hafez;
• Analyzing the poetry of Hafez.

These steps are essential for taking Fale Hafez. The following parts will describe how to practice them like an Iranian person.

Preparation for Taking Fale Hafez

Iranian people wear clean dress before taking Fale Hafez. Then everyone keeps quiet for better concentration.

Reading Fateheh for Hafez

Before opening the book, Iranians read “Fateheh” (a short prayer from the Quran) for Hafez. This is a gesture of respect and a way to invite Hafez to help them find answers to their questions.

Invocation

After the prayer, they recite a specific phrase:

ای حافظ شیرازی تو که محرم هر رازی تو را به شاخه نبات قسم تو را به تربت پاک قسم حاجتم را روا من.

This translates to, “O Hafez of Shiraz, you who are privy to all secrets, I beseech you by the Shakhe Nabat and by your pure tomb, fulfill my request.” Then people kiss Divan of Hafez, gently touch its cover, and make a wish.

Point: It is said that Shakhe Nabat is the name of Hafez’s wife who was dear to Hafez. According to Iranian beliefs, when you ask Hafez by his wife’s name, you can expect to achieve the most authentic results.

Choosing a Poem from Divan of Hafez

With their question in mind, they open Hafez’s book, known as “Divan-e-Hafez,” to a random page. The poem found on the right-hand page is interpreted as guidance related to their query. If there are related verses on the left page, consider them as well.

Analyzing Fale Hafez

Choosing the poems is simple, then people focus on the poems to understand what Hafez says. Anyone who is familiar with Hafez’s poetry and the themes he used, can easily interpret it. Otherwise, they need help to analyze their Fal. Everyone can understand the poetry of Hafez based on his interpretation, so what you understand can be different from what the other one interprets.

Point: Divan of Hafiz reduced the significance of divination from other poets’ Divan. Along with the Quran, this book has become respectable in Islamic nations. 

Need Help for Analyzing Fale Hafez?

Fale Hafez, the practice of divination through the poetry of the famous Persian poet Hafez, offers deep insights and guidance for many. Each poem, filled with rich imagery and profound meaning, serves as a reflection of our thoughts, feelings, and life situations. However, interpreting these poems can sometimes be challenging, especially for those who are new to Hafez’s intricate language and symbolism.

If you’re interested in exploring Fale Hafez but find yourself needing help with the analysis, you’re not alone. Understanding Hafez’s poetry can enhance your experience and provide clearer insights into your questions and concerns. That’s where we come in!

Simply choose a poem that resonates with you and send it to us. Our team is here to assist you in understanding the deeper meanings behind the verses. We will carefully analyze the poem and send our insights directly to your email, helping you uncover the wisdom and guidance that Hafez offers.

Don’t hesitate to reach out; we’re eager to help you navigate the beautiful world of Persian poetry. By understanding Fal-e Hafez, you can gain clarity and inspiration in your life. Share your chosen poetry with us, and let’s embark on this poetic journey together!

Seeking Guidance from Odes of Hafez

Does Hafez’s divination, as an Iranian tradition, foretell the future or reflect the human psyche? How does his poetry answer our questions? Some believe that the poetry of Hafez has a superpower beyond the words. Indeed, the blend of love, mysticism, and wisdom in his verses allows us to interpret poems according to our emotional and mental states.

The flexibility in interpreting the poetry of Hafez has made Fale Hafez a trusted way to seek answers to our wishes. Some scholars believe that the poetry of Hafez has a reflexive effect. In simple words, people project their wishes and requests into Hafez’s poetry and receive responses based on their mental states. That’s why each Ghazal of Hafez has specific meanings for different individuals.

It is worth mentioning that, some view Fale Hafez as a specific type of prophecy which is the offspring of the connection between our subconscious mind and the spiritual power of his poetry. Irrespective of these views, Fal-e Hafez holds a special place in Iranian society and Hafez is consulted in making critical situations. Although it may not sound rational or logical, many people find hope and peace and release themselves from the bounds of doubt.

Divination of Hafez and the Messages of His Poetry

The poetry of Hafez has hidden meanings; in other words, the metaphors and symbols of Hafez’s poetry convey deep ideas in a poetic form. Mystical, social, and philosophical points play a critical role in understanding Fale Hafez. For example, words like می (wine), معشوق (beloved) بلبل (nightingale), and رند (sage) carry multiple meanings based on the contexts.

One of the unique features of the poetry of Hafez is that you are free to interpret it according to personal understanding. Concepts such as the passage of time, shortness of life, divine love, and desperation from worldly belongings invite readers to think carefully about the meaningfulness of life and its relationship with divine love.

The messages in the poems of Hafez are universal and remain relevant across time and location. They gently touch human beings’ hearts and guide them through the challenges of life. The rhythm and music of Hafez’s poetry play a crucial role in the immortality of his verses. Even if readers cannot fully understand them, each word will impress them. Lastly, the Divan of Hafez is a cultural and national identity of Iranians that is a source of spiritual and literary pride.

Fale Hafez on the Yalda Night and Nowruz

Yalda means birth in the Syriac language and is a holy ceremony among Iranians. It coincides with the Sun’s birth and is celebrated in countries such as Iran, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kurdistan, Tajikistan, and Turkey.

Iranian families gather on Yalda night, eat fruits, especially watermelon pomegranate, and nuts, and revive the good old memories of the past days. On this beautiful night, the elders read the Shahnameh and tell stories; whoever knows how to interpret and read Hafez’s poems will read Fale Hafez to others.

One of the traditions of the longest night of the year is the Hafez Divination; Hafez is a well-respected poet in Iran, and his poetry is used to foresee the future. On Yalda Night, people believe God pays special attention to all servants; they believe in Hafez and ask him whether they achieve their dreams. Hafez announces their unseen destiny with his poems.

Iranians have long practiced divination with Hafez’s book on another national holiday named Nowruz, which is the first day of the lunar year and is considered the identity of the Iranian people. At this traditional festival, people wear new clothes, visit their relatives, and spend a few hours with each other. Meanwhile, they take omen, hoping to start the new year happily.

What Is the Mystic Tongue?

Lisan Al-Gheib, or the mystic tongue or the tongue of the unseen, is an Arabic phrase consisting of two words: Lesan means “tongue,” and gheib means” hidden.”

The tongue of the unseen refers to a person who says things that others cannot see. This phrase has a special meaning among Persian speakers because the tongue of the unseen is the pen name of Hafez Shirazi. He has four pen names, too, including:

• The tongue of the unseen (the most famous one); 
• The translator of secrets;
• The tongue of mystics;
•  Nazem Al-Awliya.

Fale Hafez English with Interpretation

Hafez’s poetry is never outdated; they are healing verses for people of different nations irrespective of gender, ethnicity, and language. Each person can understand them based on his interpretation, although some may need a master to understand the deep meaning to interpret Hafez’s poems.

Nowadays, Hafez’s Divan is translated into uncountable languages so everyone can professionally recognize his mesmerizing and rich poetry. If you need help reading and interpreting Divan e Hafez, you may contact us if you have any questions to understand your fal e Hafez. We familiarize you with Hafez’s poetry and give you a helping hand to understand him carefully.

Hafez’s Tomb

Hafez passed away in 1390 in Shiraz, and twenty years later, his tomb was constructed in Hafezieh. Today, poetry and Hafez lovers join this place and benefit from the spiritual presence of Hafez. Hafezieh is one of the most visited tourist attractions, attracting national and international travelers like a powerful magnet.

On your travel to Hafezieh, sit beside Hafez’s tomb and take pleasure from reciting his mind-blowing poems. Hafez’s Divan is one of the famous books for divination from the past to the present. For this reason, this book is always present in the tomb of Hafez. Visiting Hafezieh and Hafez’s tomb is a must, so please add it to your must-do list on your travel to Shiraz, the city of history, landscapes, poetry, gardens, flowers, and common nightingale.

His love for God is apparent in his Beautiful Ghazals. He mentioned God and divine love many times. People like to keep themselves calm and relaxed by reading his poems. They take a deep breath, open a page of his Ghazals randomly, and prepare themselves to see the beautiful verses of his Ghazal on that page. 

In Iran, this is known as asking Hafez for advice about the dilemma they have recently faced in their own lives. Opening a page randomly and reading the verses out loud or in the head gives the person the best chance of thinking. It is known as “taking Fale Hafez” in Persian (Farsi), which means asking for soothsay. When a person randomly takes one of Hafez Ghazals’, the interpretation of the verses indicates the idea of a bad omen or a good one.

Taking Fale Hafez In Brief

People believe that the verses portend the future and they have a sign of what will happen in the future. It is a way to ask Hafez’s intuition and wisdom to help us know about future events, there are some pre-requirements. The individuals’ intentions should be honest and sincere. To begin with, You should close your eyes and wish with total concentration.

You can say “Hamd” Surah consciously in advance. Before starting to open and take a page randomly, you need to ask Hafez, from deep inside your heart, to help you uncover the events you are unaware of but feel butterflies in your stomach. Hafez Ghazals gives you the information you need through his meaningful verses. Iranians believe Hafez Fal tells the truth and lightens the dark side of their lives.

Knowing the meaning behind the verses helps the person determine whether the Hafez Fal is about a bad omen or a good omen. The translation of the poems helps you find your answer. Even native Persian speakers need to know the meaning of the verses to interpret Fal-e-Hafez. If you are not fluent in Persian, the book “The Complete Ghazals of Hafez with English Translation,” available on Getbookonline.com, will help you to understand Hafez Ghazals as clearly as possible.

FAQs

What types of questions can I ask during Fale Hafez?

You can ask a wide range of questions, including those related to love, career, personal growth, or any concerns you might have.

Can Fale Hafez be used for serious decision-making?

While Fale Hafez can offer valuable insights and provoke thoughtful reflection, it should not replace careful decision-making or professional advice.

Can Fale Hafez be done at any time?

Yes, Fale Hafez can be performed at any time.

How should I interpret the verses from Hafez?

Interpretation of Hafez’s verses can be subjective and depends on personal reflection. The verses often contain metaphorical and symbolic language. Consider the emotional and philosophical context of the verse in relation to your question to find meaning.

Is Hafez Divination a religious practice?

No, Fale Hafez is a cultural and literary practice.

Can non-Persian speakers perform Hafez Divination? 

Yes, they can practice Fale Hafez; however, they may need help understanding some metaphors in the poetry.

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