Connoisseurs of world literature need to spend some time acquainting themselves with the Divan of Hafiz, one of the foremost collections of Persian verse. Scholars agree this volume has exerted a singularly important influence on Middle Eastern culture, akin to Shakespeare's role in the sphere of Western letters.

Hafiz was a Persian lyric poet (1315/17-1390) whose collected works, or "Divan," are as sacred to most Iranians as the Qur'an. He was highly acclaimed during his lifetime, and is by far the most popular poet in Iran, where they celebrate Hafiz Day on October 12. Although he was influenced by Islam, Hafiz is widely respected by Hindus, Christians and others for his beautiful turn of a phrase and for his regard of the universal soul. "The Collected Poems of Hafiz" touch on themes of love, faith and exposing hypocrisy, and many people find personal guidance within its pages. Since Hafiz' work was first translated into English in 1771, scholars in the Western world have been conflicted between literal and mystical interpretations of the poems. Nevertheless, they provide fascinating details on life and culture in Persia, and to some, it brings valuable insight toward mysticism and the ineffable.

365 soul-nurturing poems from Daniel Ladinsky—one for each day of the year—inspired by the cherished verse of Persian lyric poet Hafiz. The poems of Hafiz are masterpieces of sacred poetry that nurture the heart, soul, and mind. Ladinsky’s poems are not translations in a literal sense. Rather than capture the form of a particular classical work, Ladinsky crafts poems that release the spirit of Hafiz. With learned insight, Ladinsky explores the many emotions addressed in these verses. His renderings, presented here in 365 poignant poems—including a section based on the interpretations of Hafiz by Ralph Waldo Emerson—capture the compelling wisdom of one of the most revered Sufi poets. Intimate and often spiritual, these poems are beautifully sensuous, playful, wacky, and profound, and provide guidance for everyday life, as well as deep wisdom to savor through a lifetime.

From bestselling poet Daniel Ladinsky, a rich collection that brings the great Sufi poet Hafiz to Western readers To Persians, the poems of Hafiz are not “classical literature” from a remote past but cherished wisdom from a dear and intimate friend that continues to be quoted in daily life. With uncanny insight, Hafiz captures the many forms and stages of love. His poetry outlines the stages of the mystic's “path of love”—a journey in which love dissolves personal boundaries and limitations to join larger processes of growth and transformation. With this stunning collection, Ladinsky has succeeded brilliantly in capturing the essence of one of Islam’s greatest poetic and spiritual voices. “If you haven’t yet had the delight of dining with Daniel Ladinsky’s sweet, playful renderings of the musings of the great saints, I Heard God Laughing is a perfect appetizer. . . . This newly released edition of his first playful foray into Hafiz’s divinely inspired poetry is essential reading. . . . Ladinsky is a master who will be remembered for finally bringing Hafiz alive in the West.” —Alexandra Marks, The Christian Science Monitor

Daniel Ladinsky’s unforgettable lyrical poems are inspired by the cherished verse of Hafiz, one of the greatest Sufi poets of all time. Perhaps more than any other Persian poet, it is Hafiz who most fully accesses the mystical, healing dimensions of verse. Daniel Ladinsky’s poems are not translations in a literal sense. Rather than capture the form of a particular classical poem, Ladinsky has made it his life’s work to create modern interpretations inspired by the world’s most profound spiritual poetry. Through Ladinsky’s poems, Hafiz’s voice comes alive across the centuries, singing his timeless message of love.

“The Rubàiyàt of Hàfez†presents a collection of quatrains attributed to the renowned 14th-century Persian poet Hàfez, offering readers a glimpse into the mystical and philosophical depths of Sufi thought. This English translation aims to capture the essence of Hàfez's original verses, exploring themes of love, wine, and divine union. Celebrated for its lyrical beauty and profound wisdom, Hàfezâ€(TM)s poetry continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, inviting contemplation on the mysteries of existence and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. This edition seeks to preserve the enduring appeal of Hàfezâ€(TM)s work, making it accessible to a new generation of readers. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

"Sonnets from Hafez" by Active 14th century Hafiz is a poetry collection. The author's aim is to convey the original spirit rather than to give a faithful rendering of either thought or form. Hafez (1325–1390) was a Persian lyric poet, whose collected works are regarded by many Iranians as a pinnacle of Persian literature. His works are often found in the homes of people in the Persian-speaking world.

Discover the timeless beauty of Persian poetry with "Poems from the divan of Hafiz." This exquisite collection presents a selection of verses from the divan of Hafiz, one of the most celebrated poets in Persian history. Immerse yourself in the rich imagery and profound wisdom of his classical poetry, expertly translated for English readers. Hafiz's divan, a cornerstone of Persian literature, explores themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition with unparalleled grace and insight. This edition offers a window into a literary tradition that has captivated audiences for centuries. Experience the enduring power of Hafiz's words, meticulously preserved in this accessible translation. A treasure for poetry lovers and anyone interested in exploring the literary heritage of Asia. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Khwaja Shemsundin Mahommad Hifiz-e Sirazi, or simply Hafiz was a Persian mystic and poet. His lyrical poems, known as Ghazals, are noted for their beauty and bring to fruition the love, mysticism, and early Sufi themes that had long pervaded Persian poetry. Moreover, his poetry possessed elements of modern surrealism. By listening to his father's recitations, Hafiz had accomplished the task of learning the Qur'an by heart, at an early age (that is in fact the meaning of the word Hafiz). He is said to have become a poet in the court of Abu Ishak, and so gained fame and influence in his hometown. The works of Hafiz have left a mark on such important Western writers as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Goethe. In Iran, his collected works have come to be used as an aid to popular divination. Though Hafiz's poetry is influenced by his Islamic faith, he is widely respected by Hindus, Christians and others.

Authoritative edition of Hafiz’s most important poems, including original Persian and brilliant English translations Recent translations of Hafiz have been controversial. Omid Safi, an Islamic studies scholar at Duke, notes that “there are so many fake translations of Hafiz floating around, offering ‘versions’ that have no earthly connection to anything that the Persian poet and sage of Shiraz named Hafiz ever said. Elizabeth Gray offers us something different: poetic translations rooted in close readings of the original Persian, developed in consultation with a native speaker scholar.” A “ghazal” is usually understood to mean lyric poetry concerned with love. But what had been a courtly love lyric concerned with wine and physical beauty became, in the hands of Sufis like Farid ud-Dín ‘Attar and Jalal ud-Dín Rumi, a way to describe a mystic’s relationship with God. Ghazals also became a means of veiling from theological and political conservatives the Sufi belief in the possibility of an intuitive, personal union with God. Háfiz became the greatest of all Sufi poets, called the “Tongue of the Invisible” and the “Interpreter of Mysteries.” His command of the ghazal’s traditional imagery and themes blends eroticism, mysticism, and panegyric into verse of unsurpassed beauty. His eighty ghazals are presented in this book. Persian originals appear on facing pages to brilliant English translations of Gray and Anvar. In the afterword, Persian scholar Daryush Shayegan notes how “there is no antagonism between the earthly wine and the divine wine, just as there is none between profane love and the love of God, since one is the necessary initiation to the other.”