Update Date: February 18, 2025
Who is Hafez in Iran? Who is the most famous Persian poet? What is Hafiz famous for? What are some of the key themes in his poetry, and how do they reflect his worldview? Welcome to GetBookOnline.com, where you can learn Persian online with native teachers. You can also read about Iran’s poets, poetry, history, and culture. Join us to learn more about Hafez.
Hafez Shirazi, one of the most beloved poets in Persian literature, was born in Shiraz, Iran, in the 14th century. His full name was Khwājeh Shams-ud-Dīn Muḥammad Hāfez-e Shīrāzī. Hafez is famous for his deep, emotional poetry that touches on themes of love, spirituality, and the beauty of life. His poems, often written in ghazal form (a type of lyric poetry), have been admired for their clever use of metaphors, rich imagery, and timeless wisdom.
Hafez’s work has had a huge impact on Persian culture, and he is considered a symbol of Persian identity. His influence is so strong that his name is still mentioned in conversations about love, wisdom, and even daily life in Iran. His poetry transcends time, as it remains relevant not only in Iran but around the world, inspiring readers, writers, and thinkers for centuries.
One reason Hafez continues to be celebrated today is his ability to address universal human experiences. His poems explore the pursuit of love, the meaning of life, and the search for divine truth. They offer a profound, yet accessible, way to reflect on life’s most important questions.
In modern Iran, people even use Hafez’s poems for guidance, opening his book to receive a “divine” message or answer, a practice called “Fāl Hafez.” This connection to Persian culture, spirituality, and daily life makes Hafez’s work a cornerstone of not just Persian literature, but also world literature.
Biography of Hafez Shirazi
Khwaja Shams al-Din Muhammad Hafez Shirazi, known as Hafez, is one of the greatest poets of the 14th century (8th century AH). He was born in 1326 AD (727 AH) in Shiraz, Iran. Hafez’s father, Baha al-Din Muhammad, passed away when he was a child, and Hafez lived a difficult life with his mother. As a teenager, he worked at a bakery and spent his free time attending a nearby school to learn reading and writing. He memorized the Quran in fourteen different recitations, which is why he chose the pen name “Hafez,” meaning “memorizer.”
In his youth, Hafez studied religious sciences, Arabic and Persian literature, Islamic law, and theology, becoming highly skilled in these fields. He participated in scholarly and literary gatherings in Shiraz and associated with the intellectuals of his time. In his poetry, Hafez addressed themes such as love, spirituality, philosophy, and social criticism. His ghazals are unparalleled in Persian literature for their depth of meaning and beauty of language.
During his life, Hafez interacted with rulers and notable figures but always avoided hypocrisy and pretension, often criticizing these traits in his poetry. He passed away in 1390 AD (792 AH) in Shiraz and was buried in a place now known as “Hafezieh.” His tomb is one of Iran’s most significant cultural and tourist attractions.
Hafez’s Divan (collection of poems) includes ghazals, odes, narrative poems, quatrains, and couplets. It has been translated into many languages and is admired worldwide. For centuries, Iranians have sought guidance by randomly opening the Divan of Hafez and interpreting the verses they find. This tradition reflects the profound impact and wisdom of his words.
Hafez is known by titles such as “Tongue of the Unseen” (Lesan al-Ghayb), “Interpreter of Secrets” (Tarjoman al-Asrar), and “Poet of Mystics” (Lesan al-Orafa). Each title highlights an aspect of his personality and artistry. Hafez’s influence on Persian literature and even world literature is so significant that he is considered a pillar of poetry and culture.
Was Hafez Sufi?
Hafez Shirazi often criticized hypocritical and arrogant Sufis in his poetry. He did not like the dishonesty and showiness of some Sufis during his time. However, Hafez was very interested in spirituality and wrote about mystical ideas in his poems. So, we can say that Hafez was not a Sufi who followed specific Sufi groups, but he cared deeply about spirituality and mysticism.
What Is the Famous Work of Hafiz?
Hafez’s poetry is considered a pinnacle of Persian literature and is highly regarded for its beauty, wisdom, and depth. Scholars have studied and analyzed his works for centuries, and his poems are often quoted and recited by Iranians in daily life.
One of the reasons for his popularity is his ability to express complex philosophical and spiritual concepts straightforwardly. His poems often use everyday objects and experiences to convey deeper truths about the human condition and the nature of reality. Here, he uses the metaphor of wine to represent the joy and beauty of life, even in the face of mortality and suffering.
His poetry has also been influential in shaping Persian culture and identity. His works have been read and recited at weddings, funerals, and other important cultural events, and his ideas about love, beauty, and spirituality have become woven into the fabric of Persian society.
In addition to his literary legacy, he has also been celebrated for his role as a mystic and spiritual teacher. Many Iranians believe his poetry is imbued with a deep spiritual wisdom that can help guide people on their spiritual journeys.
Today, Hafez’s poetry inspires artists, writers, and musicians worldwide. His works have been set to music by numerous Persian musicians, and his ideas have influenced contemporary poets and thinkers in Iran and beyond.
Themes in Hafez’s Poetry
His poetry explores a wide range of themes, many of which are still relevant today, including:
- One of Hafez’s most enduring themes is love. His poetry celebrates the joys of romantic love but also explores the idea of divine love and the importance of cultivating a loving relationship with the divine;
- He was deeply interested in spirituality, and his poetry reflects this. He often uses metaphors and symbols to convey spiritual ideas and explores themes such as the nature of reality, the soul, and the afterlife;
- He was also deeply connected to the natural world and frequently used nature imagery in his poetry. He often compared human emotions and experiences to the natural world, using images such as flowers, birds, and the moon to convey deeper meanings;
- His poetry is known for its wisdom and insight. He frequently explored ideas such as the passing of time, the importance of living in the present moment, and the dangers of materialism and attachment;
- Despite being a mystic, he was also a keen observer of society and frequently critiqued his time’s social and political conditions. He often used his poetry to challenge religious and political leaders’ hypocrisy and corruption and advocate for greater social justice and equality.
What Are the Features of Hafez’s Poetry?
Hafez’s Persian poetry is characterized by several distinctive features, including:
- Mystical Themes: His poetry is deeply influenced by mysticism and Sufi philosophy. He often explores themes such as the nature of reality, the soul, and the divine, using his poetry to convey spiritual insights and wisdom;
- Emotional Intensity: His poetry is known for its emotional intensity and raw honesty. He often speaks directly to the reader and shares his innermost thoughts and feelings about love, God, and the world;
- Musicality: His poetry is highly musical and often includes rhyme, meter, and repetition. His works have been set to music by numerous Persian musicians, and his poetry is often recited aloud in a musical, almost chant-like manner;
- Critique of Society: Despite his mystical leanings, Hafez was also a keen observer of society and frequently used his poetry to critique his time’s social and political conditions. He often challenged the hypocrisy and corruption of religious and political leaders, advocating for greater social justice and equality.
Overall, his poetry is characterized by its beauty, wisdom, and emotional depth. His works continue to inspire readers worldwide, and his unique approach to poetry has made him one of the most beloved poets in Persian literature.
Hafez’s Poetic Information System
Even the smallest unit of Hafez’s language, from the simplest to the most refined words, contains a unique prophetic quality. An artist must experience and try to convey experiences that others have not undertaken. Each person’s spiritual experience is completely different from that of others.
The smallest poetic unit of Hafez operates as an information system that is based on social contrast and irony. It does not follow the traditional Aristotelian logic, which does not readily accept paradox, but instead values creativity as its foundation. Perhaps, for this reason, Hafez’s best satire can be found within his Divan.
Hafez’s artistic perfection, emotional sincerity, and depth of awareness lead to ultimate enlightenment. This awareness enables the creation of a new structural order in language. For him, language serves as a tool to generate new meanings. The architecture of language takes shape only after the composition of his poetry.
Fale Hafez (Divination of Hafez)
What is omens of Hafez? “Fāl Hafez” is a tradition where people use Hafez’s poetry for guidance and answers to questions or problems. The practice is simple: someone opens Hafez’s book of poetry, called the “Divan,” at random and reads the first poem they see. They believe that this poem provides a message or insight related to their current situation, almost as if Hafez is speaking directly to them.
This tradition has been practiced for centuries and holds great cultural importance in Iran. People often turn to Hafez when they are feeling uncertain or need advice on life, love, or even difficult decisions. The idea is that his deep and spiritual poetry can offer wisdom, comfort, or a new perspective on their problems. The process of opening the book and reading a random poem is seen as a way of seeking answers from a higher power or from the poet’s wisdom.
Even today, “Fāl Hafez” is still widely practiced. It’s common for people to perform it during special occasions, like the Persian New Year (Nowruz), or when facing challenges in life. Friends and family often gather around to ask for guidance, and it has become a part of Iranian culture that connects people to their heritage and spiritual traditions. Many people continue to feel that Hafez’s poetry offers timeless wisdom and emotional support, making it a cherished and meaningful practice even in modern times.
The Most Famous Poetry in Divan
These verses are selected from the Divan of Hafez which includes the original verses of Hafez and the English translation. Read and enjoy:
اَلا یا اَیها الساقی اَدر کأساً وناوِلها
Ho! O Saki, pass around and offer the bowl of love for God:
که عشق آسان نمود اول ولی افتاد مشکلها
For love at first appeared easy, but difficulties have occurred.
به بوي نافه اي کاخر صبا زان طرّه بگشاید
By reason of the perfume of the musk-pod, at the end, the breeze displayeth from that fore-lock,
ز تاب جعد مشکینش چه خون افتاد در دلها
From the twist of its musky curl, what blood befell the hearts!
مرا در منزل جانان چه امن عیش چون هر دم
In the stage of the Beloved, mine what ease and pleasure, when momently,
جرس فریاد میدارد که بربندید محملها
The bell giveth voice, saying: “Bind ye up the chattels of existence!”
به می سجاده رنگین کن گرت پیر مغان گوید
With wine, becolour the prayer-mat-if the Pir of the Magians bid thee;
که سالک بی خبر نبود ز راه و رسم منزلها
For of the way and usage of the stages not without knowledge is the holy traveller.
شب تاریک و بیم موج و گردابی چنین هایل
The dark night, and the fear of the wave, and the whirlpool so fearful.
کجا دانند حال ما سبکباران ساحلها
The light-burdened ones of the shore, how know they our state?
همه کارم ز خود کامی به بدنامی کشید آخر
By following my own fancy, me to ill fame all my work brought:
نهان کی ماند آن رازي کز او سازند محفلها
Secret, how remaineth that great mystery whereof assemblies speak?
حضوري گر همیخواهی از او غایب مشو حافظ
Hafiz! if thou desire the presence–from Him be not absent:
متی ما تلق من تَهوي دعِ الدنیا و اَهملها
When thou visitest thy Beloved, abandon the world; and let it go.
Hafez’s Influence on Persian Language and Culture
The poems of Hafez have had a profound influence on Persian culture and literature:
- Language and Literature: His poetry is considered a pinnacle of Persian literature and has significantly shaped the Persian language. Many Persian words and idioms used in everyday speech can be traced back to Hafez’s works, and his poetry has been a significant influence on subsequent generations of Persian poets and writers;
- Music and Art: His poetry has also significantly impacted Persian music and art. Many Persian musicians have set his poems to music, creating beautiful and haunting melodies that have become iconic in Persian culture. His works have also been the inspiration for countless works of Persian art, including paintings, sculptures, and calligraphy;
- Religion and Spirituality: His poetry has significantly influenced Persian spiritual thought. His works explore themes such as love, spirituality, and the nature of the divine, and many Iranians believe that his poetry contains deep spiritual insights and wisdom;
- National Identity: His poetry has played a significant role in shaping Persian national identity. His works are seen as a celebration of Persian culture and a source of pride for Iranians worldwide.
Is Hafez the Same as Rumi?
Hafez and Rumi are two distinct Persian poets, although they share similarities in their poetic themes and styles. Both poets lived in the 13th century, but Hafez was from Shiraz, while Rumi, full name Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, was born in Balkh (now in Afghanistan) and later settled in Konya, present-day Turkey.
Hafez is known for his ghazals, which are lyrical poems expressing love, spirituality, and wine, often with a mystical undertone. His work is deeply rooted in Sufi mysticism and is celebrated for its beauty and philosophical depth.
Rumi, on the other hand, was a prominent Sufi mystic, and his poetry encompasses a wide range of themes, including love, spirituality, and the pursuit of divine knowledge. His most famous work, the “Mathnawi,” is an epic poem that explores various aspects of spiritual growth and understanding.
Why Is He Called Hafez?
The title “Hafez” is an honorary term given to someone who has memorized the Quran in its entirety. In the case of the Persian poet Shams al-Din Hafez, it is believed that he earned this title due to his remarkable feat of memorizing the Quran during his lifetime. The word “Hafez” is derived from the Arabic root “h-f-z,” meaning to memorize or guard.
Hafez is not the poet’s name but a title of respect and recognition for his accomplishment in memorizing the Quran. It has become a commonly used way to refer to him, and this title is widely known to him in Persian literary and cultural circles. It is a title of respect and recognition for the individual’s memorization and understanding of religious scripture.
The Magnificent Book of Poetry in Persia
The “Divan of Hafez” is a collection of poems by this eminent Persian poet. The “Divan” is his most famous work and is considered a masterpiece of Persian literature. It includes over 500 Ghazals (lyric poems) and several other types of poems, such as qasida, rubai, and masnavi.
The poems in the “Divan” cover many themes, including love, spirituality, wisdom, and social critique. Hafez was known for his ability to use metaphor and symbolism to convey deeper meanings in his poetry, and many of his poems are still studied and analyzed by scholars and readers today.
The “Divan” has been translated into many languages and is considered a classic of world literature. It has been an important influence on Persian culture and shaped the Persian language itself.
The “Divan” continues to be studied and appreciated by readers worldwide, and its timeless themes and beautiful language continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Discovering these themes, which are reflected in Hafez, The Complete Ghazals discloses a hidden window to the mysterious world.
Many resources are available online and in print for those interested in learning more about Hafez. Some of the most popular translations of his poetry include those by Gertrude Bell, H. Wilberforce Clarke, and Peter Avery. Sir Clarke has translated his verses beautifully, polishing readers’ souls.
Reading poems of Hafez in English will refresh your mind, and; don’t you want to clean the dirt of your soul with the inspiring words of Hafez? Are you preparing for a profound cleansing? If yes, enjoy this collection:
The Tomb of Hafez
The exact date of this legendary figure of Persian poetry’s death is unknown, but it is believed to have been sometime around 1390, during the reign of the Timurid dynasty in Iran. He spent most of his life in Shiraz, where he was born and raised and where he lived and worked as a poet and teacher.
According to historical accounts, He was highly respected in his lifetime for his poetry and wisdom. He was known to have a deep spiritual understanding, and many people sought his advice on heart and soul matters.
After his death, Hafez’s poetry continued to be celebrated and revered in Persian culture. His works were copied and circulated widely, and his tomb in Shiraz became a pilgrimage site for lovers of Persian literature. Today, he is considered one of the greatest poets in the Persian language.
His tomb is located in the city of Shiraz, Iran. It is a popular destination for tourists and lovers of Persian literature. The tomb is a simple structure with a white marble sarcophagus enclosed within a small pavilion. The pavilion is decorated with intricate tilework and calligraphy and is surrounded by a landscaped garden.
Visitors often recite his poetry, and it is common to see people sitting in quiet contemplation or sharing their favorite poems. The tomb is also a popular spot for musicians, who sometimes play traditional Persian music in the garden.
His tomb is a testament to the enduring legacy of his poetry and to the deep love and admiration that Iranians feel for him. It is a place of beauty and inspiration and a reminder of the power of poetry to touch the human spirit.
Why Learn Persian to Appreciate Hafez’s Poetry?
To truly appreciate Hafez Shirazi’s poetry, learning Persian is essential. Hafez’s works are rich in meanings, emotions, and cultural references that often get lost in translation. While English translations provide a general understanding, the subtleties of his wordplay, rhythm, and metaphors can only be fully grasped in the original Persian. His poetry is not just about the words, but the way they sound and the emotions they convey, something that is often missed in other languages.
Persian, with its beautiful script and unique grammar, offers a deeper connection to Hafez’s art. By learning Persian, you can engage with his poems in a way that brings out the full beauty of his expressions and the spiritual wisdom in his verses. You’ll begin to notice the subtle use of metaphors, the profound philosophical messages, and the way Hafez weaves mystical themes into everyday life.
If you’re eager to explore Hafez’s poetry in its true form, the GetBookOnline.com team of native teachers offers a variety of resources to help you learn Persian. From carefully designed language books to online Persian language courses. By mastering Persian, you will unlock a deeper understanding of Hafez’s works and connect with the heart of Persian culture. Join us and begin your adventure into the world of Persian poetry.
Hafez, the Honor of Persian Poetry
Hafez is a poet whose works have stood the test of time and continue to inspire readers worldwide. His poetry celebrates love, beauty, and the divine, and his works contain deep spiritual themes that resonate with readers of all backgrounds. Whether you’re a longtime fan of this honorable Persian poet or a newcomer to his works, there’s no denying his enduring influence on Persian literature and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Hafiz or Hafez?
Both spellings are correct; “Hafiz” is more common in English, while “Hafez” follows Persian pronunciation.
What Hafez memorized?
Hafez memorized the Quran in fourteen different recitations.
Where is the tomb of Hafez?
Hafez’s tomb is in Shiraz, Iran, in a place called Hafezieh.
What is the meaning of Fale Hafez?
Fal-e Hafez means “Hafez’s Divination” or seeking guidance by interpreting his poetry.
Did Hafez write in Arabic?
No, Hafez wrote primarily in Persian, though his poetry includes Arabic phrases and references due to his deep knowledge of Arabic literature and the Quran.
What is the English of Hafez?
The name “Hafez” means “memorizer” or “guardian,” referring to someone who has memorized the Quran.
Is Hafez’s poetry available in other languages?
His poetry has been translated into many languages, including English, French, German, and Russian. His works have many different translations, each with its own style and approach.
What is the legacy of Hafez’s poetry?
His poetry continues to inspire and captivate readers worldwide, and his ideas about love, spirituality, and wisdom remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago. His works are a testament to the power of poetry to touch the human spirit and transcend time and place.